SA township taverns face ruin from second booze ban
JOHANNESBURG – South Africa’s latest ban on alcohol sales is likely to force 35,000 bar owners in the poorest communities into bankruptcy, according to industry bodies representing the country’s biggest drink makers.
The decision to abruptly prohibit the retail of booze for a second time since March is aimed at reducing alcohol-related hospital admissions while surging coronavirus cases put a strain on emergency wards. Still, the economic fallout could be severe, groups including the National Liquor Traders Council and the Beer Association of South Africa said in a statement.
South Africa’s government lifted a more than two-month restriction on alcohol sales at the start of June, following discussions with the industry over opening hours and safety measures. Pub owners in so-called townships were allowed to convert into drink retail outlets as part of the agreement. However, the latest ban announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa came without consultation with the industry or a warning, leaving retailers with stock they can’t legally sell.
Source: iol.co.za
