Why stub out sale of cigarettes, alcohol?

WHILE I must praise the government’s handling of the Covid-19 crisis, I must, however, question the logic of banning the sale of cigarettes in general and alcohol by liquor outlets. (I am not a smoker but enjoy a glass of wine with a meal.)

When on December 5, 1920, the American government banned the sale/manufacture and transport of alcohol (it was not illegal to drink alcohol) within hours the Mafia jumped on the bandwagon.

They saw and made enormous profits by dealing in illegal alcohol (bootlegging).

South Africa already has a massive problem with illegal cigarette sales.

The ban will simply increase the sales and profits of these criminals.

I have already heard that the sale of alcohol has gone underground to a black market selling at highly inflated prices particularly in the less affluent suburbs of our city.

This is being done by opportunist criminals out to make a quick profit who are happy to prey on people.

I have no doubt illegal shebeens will pop up in the form of speakeasies which will defeat the idea of social distancing.

I am not alone. NGOs have called on government to reverse the ban because it may do more harm than good to society’s most vulnerable people who may take up valuable medical service time and space.

Yes, it does mean more people in shops but just apply the same rules as in the food shops.

I suggest the government rethinks this strategy so that the cigarette/ liquor industry and government gets back into its legally controlled space. In our current crisis the last thing we need is to be creating that space for criminal activity.

The government made a big song and dance regarding price gouging by retailers while opening the door to criminals to sell cigarettes and liquor at inflated prices.

My guess is the criminals do not pay VAT.

STEVE COMINETTI | Durban North