Alcohol Ban: Imbibers’ Tippling Patterns Imperative
It has been months since the ban on the sale of alcohol was imposed, due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in Botswana. The Presidential COVID-19 Task Force has identified alcohol as one of the major spreaders of the virus as in most cases those who prefer to take the poison at entertainment spots go there in droves, making it difficult for bar owners to control crowds or observe COVID-19 protocols. When the government decided to suspend the sale of alcohol, there was uproar as the public felt the move was unjustified. Last week, the National Assembly discussed the future of the alcohol industry and some Members of Parliament (MP) felt that enough is enough. It was time to stop living in fear and open the industry that has been dented by the closure. Recently, the decision was even brought before the courts of law where Kgalagadi Breweries Limited (KBL) was challenging the government’s decision. Commenting on an act to amend the Liquor Act that was published on August 20, 2021 by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, MPs welcomed the move and urged imbibers to reflect on their drinking behaviours to avoid closure. The legislators have pleaded with imbibers to exercise responsibility when the government finally decides to lift the ban on alcohol sales to avoid the on and off ban.
The Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Peggy Serame called on imbibers to reflect on themselves and change their drinking behaviours in order to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Serame revealed that she has observed beer consumers’ excessive excitement that often contributes to the ban of alcohol. “We need to have a national conversation as imbibers because the on and off closure of alcohol sales is as a result of our drinking behaviours. Ba dirisi ba bojalwa re senyeletsa ba bangwe,” she said. “I am hopeful that after these three weeks of the recent alcohol ban if the situation is better or improved, the ban is likely to be lifted, something that calls for everyone’s responsibility. If people could change their old drinking habits there will be no need for the continuous alcohol ban.”
Serame conceded that the alcohol industry plays a major role in the country’s economy, something that calls for everyone’s responsibility during the pandemic. She stated that the discussion on the future of the alcohol industry calls for imbibers’ behavioural change to avert the constant alcohol bans.
For his part, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and also the MP for Tonota, Pono Moatlhodi called on the trade ministry to lift the alcohol ban considering the consequences of the restriction on the country’s economy. Moatlhodi stated that a large percentage of Batswana were no longer contributing to the country’s economy, something that needed immediate attention.