A MUDDLED ALCOHOL STRATEGY
PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has once again put the alcohol industry on edge in his latest address to the nation in which he confirmed that the sale of alcohol for off-site consumption would be prohibited from April 2-5, coinciding with the Easter holidays.
The livelihoods of more than 1million people – which the Beer Association of SA (Basa) has reiterated are jeopardised by the lockdown restrictions – are thrust into the spotlight once again. Basa has said that more than 85% of craft breweries remain at risk of shutting their doors because of previous government lockdown restrictions.
In making their case, they have also stated that there has been no increase in Covid-19 cases despite the alcohol industry being open.
The first two alcohol bans were directly responsible for 165 000 lost jobs. In addition, countless businesses have had to let their staff go, while more than 80% had to cut salaries.
Furthermore, the cumulative impact of the last three alcohol bans led to a loss in sales revenue of R36.3billion for the alcohol industry, putting 200 000 jobs at risk in the nation’s informal and formal economy. Meanwhile, illicit trade has taken root and is building momentum, and this poses an enormous risk to society in the longer term.
There has been criticism that a nationwide alcohol ban irrespective of regional Covid-19 transmission trends is unscientific and makes a mockery of the data available that disproves the government’s position.
But while all these points may be valid, the president did say that the restrictions were being put in place given the role of alcohol in fuelling reckless behaviour.
While it is undeniable that some people have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol that could lead to harmful behaviour, to single it out as the root of all trauma is wrong.
Weighed against the evidence, the negative impact of a further ban on alcohol seems unjustifiable. What further confused some as well is that on-site sales at restaurants, shebeens and bars will be allowed, according to licensing conditions, until 11pm.
All arguments made in the case of the alcohol ban have their merits and demerits, but what is clear is that the government needs a clear strategy on alcohol, given the pandemic.