Non-compliant bars to be blacklisted
Association withdraws support to any liquor outlet that contravenes Covid-19 health regulations
Chairperson of Botswana Alcohol Industry Association (BAIA) Mothusi Molokomme says the recent cases of noncompliance with Covid-19 health protocols by liquor outlets and consumers may jeopardise negotiations with government to open the liquor industry. Molokomme raised the concern yesterday about the increasing rates of non-adherence to Covid-19 health protocols by some outlets and consumers. He said since the re-opening of the liquor industry, they had noted a general strict adherence to the set protocols by both liquor outlets and the general public but lately there has been signs of deterioration in adherence to the set protocols. “Incidents experienced over the last two weeks point to deterioration of enforcement of the set protocols particularly at on-consumption outlets such as bars and liquor restaurants,” he said.
Molokomme urged the liquor outlets and consumers to follow health guidelines related to the industry. “The Association has been negotiating with government to open the industry further in order to boost economic recovery. However, the current non-compliance incidents may hinder these efforts,” he cried.He said the association has resolved to immediately withdraw support to any liquor outlet that contravenes the health regulations.
The support includes provision of trade coolers, merchandise and promotions support. “Whistleblowers are urged to use the reporting app “TipOffbw.com” to report incidents of non-compliance and where convenient to call the nearest law enforcement agency,” he said. In his update on Monday, Professor Mosepele Mosepele said there are currently 6139 cumulative Covid-19 cases with active cases standing at 947 and only 24 deaths.