Trouble brewing if booze gets unbanned

South Africa could see a spike in alcohol-related incidents as boozers could again flock to liquor stores if industry stakeholders succeed in their court bid to reinstate alcohol sales.

Pressure mounts for government to reinstate sales, with the restaurant industry joining calls for the lifting of the ban.

The Restaurant Association of SA (Rasa) yesterday urged members to take part in a survey.

“Through these surveys, we collect data which is imperative to fighting our cause,” said Rasa chief executive Wendy Alberts.

The court application comes after SA Breweries (SAB) approached the courts last week to challenge the constitutionality of the ban. SAB said this was the last resort to protect employees, customers, suppliers and the livelihood they supported.

Instead of going the legal route, the Beer Association of SA (Basa) will be requesting an urgent meeting with the Presidency and various departments. “We will reiterate our proposal for off-site consumption trade to be resumed within the framework of the existing curfew and the restriction on gatherings and events,” said Basa chief Patricia Pillay.

Should SAB’s application succeed, drinkers could again flock bottle stores to make up for lost time. Judging from the previous resale of alcohol, this could lead to the spike in drinking and alcohol-related incidents, said Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance’s Maurice Smithers.