BpSA slammed over ’wine to-go’ convenience

ANTI-DRINKING and driving organisations have slammed the announcement by bpSA, as the first petroleum company to have liquor sales at selected outlets across the country.

Last week bpSA, in a statement, announced that it – together with its convenience partner Pick n Pay – launched a first for the South African market with a “wine to-go” offer through their express stores.

This, as provincial hospitals were experiencing a spike in traumarelated admissions, placing further pressure on already stretched health care systems. Trauma-related cases included road crashes, some of them as a result of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Following bpSa's announcement, the South Africans Against Drunk Driving (SAADD) campaign launched an online petition in opposition to the decision, saying it was advocating for drinking and driving.

In a press statement, bpSA’s head of convenience Belinda Petersen said the company had recently been granted a liquor licence and launched its new wine-to-go convenience at bp Radiokop in Gauteng, with more stores expected to launch across the country.

“As a brand that emphasises safety and convenience, we are excited to offer wine takeaway sales through Pick n Pay Express for customers looking to pop in and out ... to go pop the cork at home,” said Petersen.

bpSA also indicated it is exploring options for customers to receive its wine directly at their doorstep, at the touch of a button, through food delivery apps.

Further enquiries to the petroleum company were not answered by deadline.

Founder and director of SAADD Caro Smit said the decision was “disappointing” and “shocking”.

“Making alcohol available at petrol stations sends the wrong message, especially as the government is looking at ways to tackle alcohol abuse ... Victims of car crashes have no voices. They are forgotten and we have to be very vocal about completely unnecessary crashes.

“Drinking and driving is a choice, it is not an accident and we need to take this more seriously. Selling alcohol at petrol stations is shocking and will make things much worse,” said Smit.

Arrive Alive online initiative spokesperson advocate Johan Jonck said there is already a focus, internationally, against liquor advertising on billboards along roads. “By making liquor available at filling stations, we are not enhancing messaging to stop drunk driving.”