Liquor issue requires sober reflection
The Gauteng Liquor Forum, representing 20,000 small and medium liquor traders, has threatened to take the government to the Constitutional Court to have the regulation totally banning the sale of alcohol lifted. On Friday, President Cyril Ramaphosa responded to the forum in a terse letter, telling it that alcohol is not an essential good, and that selling it would impact negatively on SA’s battle against the coronavirus pandemic. Alcohol, he said, is also responsible for an increase in crime and is a major cause of medical emergencies.
It will be interesting, if this case does end up in the Constitutional Court, to see how the justices rule. Those who argue for a continuation of the ban on alcohol sales, especially medical experts, point to the reduction in hospital emergencies fuelled by alcohol-induced fights and vehicle accidents. The World Health Organisation has also weighed in, reminding people that excessive alcohol consumption could weaken their immune system and render them more vulnerable to Covid-19. But instead of advocating a total ban, the world body has urged governments to limit alcohol consumption.
And here is the crux: is the South African government justified in enforcing a total ban on the sale of alcohol, rather than limitations on its sale and use during the lockdown?
In an industry submission to the national command council, the South African Liquor Brand Owners Association, the Beer Association of SA and wine producers under the VinPro umbrella warn that the total ban has increased trade in illicit products by criminal elements, and will negatively impact SA economically, with a GDP loss of R7.6bn and 40,000 jobs in jeopardy. The associated tax loss is calculated at R5.7bn.
The industry has proposed restricted trading hours, and off-site sale and consumption. We agree with those who contend that the lockdown is about fighting Covid-19 rather than substance abuse, but the government has a right to be concerned, especially about how to police those liquor outlets that may not abide by regulations and social distancing protocols if the ban is relaxed — let alone an almost certain increase in drunk driving and violent behaviour. The highest court in the land might have to decide what is best.