Agricultural organization Agri SA welcomed the country’s move to a Level 1 blockade, but continued restrictions on the sale of alcohol in the county, which it described as a “stomach blow. “
As a component of the country’s transition to a Level 1 blockade, alcohol for domestic consumption can be sold between 9:00 a. m. and 5:00 p. m. monday Viernes. Se will allow entry to the venue subject to the fulfillment of the night curfew, which runs from 00:00 to 04:00.
“The reopening of all economic sectors will contribute to much-needed economic growth. That’s why banning the sale of wine in department stores and wineries, especially on weekends, doesn’t make sense,” Agri SA said.
The organization said that maintaining restrictions would have an incredibly negative effect on the sustainability of wineries that attract large numbers of visitors and tourists, especially on weekends.
Wineries depend on direct sales of wineries for national intake and the industry is denied the economic opportunity to do so.
“South Africa will now have to seize every opportunity for economic recovery and get those industries back on their knees through Covid’s strict restrictions,” said Christo van der Rheede, Deputy Executive Director of Agri SA.
Vinpro, a non-profit company representing 3,500 South African wine producers in the country, said the wine sector is a major contributor to domestic tourism and South Africa.
“We appreciate tourism being perceived as a sector that can herald the economic recovery,” said Rico Basson, CEO of VinPro.
Basson said the easing of site admission rules, as well as internal and external events, opens up opportunities for the industry to recover.
“Persistent sales restrictions on weekend home intake in accordance with Covid’s Direct Protocol are disappointing for the 530 wineries sold directly from the cellar gates for national intake.
“This comes at a time when the wine industry, with a gigantic number of small and medium-sized enterprises, desperately needs economic recovery, task maintenance and growth.
Kurt Moore, executive director of the South African Association of Liquor Brand Owners (SALBA), said the alcoholic beverage industry recognizes the demanding situations facing the government in its efforts to involve the pandemic and save it a wave of infections, but that the concentrate is on reconstruction, economy.
“The extension of business days to Friday for non-consumption and two hours for re-consumption at midnight is a step in the right direction, but not enough for our industry, which struggles to recover from the two waves of formal alcohol bans. sales of the blockade, ” said Moore.
Moore said a key priority for the country is to focus on the economic recovery plan as discussed in Nedlac. He said that was why the industry was disappointed that the government would not allow non-consumer outlets for the industry in its licensing terms or at least it has. interaction in weekend trade.
“Effective collection of existing income and a pressing desire to prevent tax leakage related to the illicit alcohol industry are factors of economic recovery. Limitations on the sale of alcohol to consumers on weekends continue to provide an opportunity for illicit networks to grow,” Moore said. Said.
New social pact
While some members are unhappy with the new rules, the alcoholic beverage industry has reiterated its commitment to signing a new social pact with the government to save businesses and jobs in the sector.
The sector has committed an investment of 150 million rands in direct harm relief interventions and systems over the next year for the government to address the physical condition and social burden of alcohol abuse.
“As an industry, we recognize that we have a collective duty to protect all of our livelihoods within the alcohol price chain. Consumers also have a duty to behave and not disclose unnecessary harm and potential infections to themselves and others. ” Moore said.
Lucky Ntimane, organizer of the National Council of Liquor Merchants, welcomed the decision. “We welcome the two-hour extension to the taverns.
This gives the sector the opportunity to continue recovering. The modification to 50% of the capacity of only 50 people, allows greater variability of application of the regulations between giant points of sale or small capacity for customers.
Patricia Pillay, executive director of the South African Beer Association, said South Africans will also have to make their component to replace destructive behavior.
“We call on consumers to play their part in converting our culture of alcohol consumption and to put these measures into effect. We call on consumers to moderate their alcohol consumption and behave responsiblely as consumers,” he said.
“We advocate for zero tolerance for drinking and driving and want to take steps to reduce the number of pedestrians on the streets. “
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