Different opinions on the banning of liquor sales

Kwatsaduza – The Gauteng Liquor Forum has submitted a letter to the presidency, threatening to take legal action over the banning of liquor sales during the lockdown.

The letter stated the lockdown regulations is in breach of their members’ constitutional right to choose their trade, occupation or profession freely.

They additional explained the extension of the lockdown would likely ruin their businesses.

Owner of Marothi’s Tarvern in KwaThema Simon Marothi says: “I support the proposal by the forum to continue to sell alcohol.

Alternatives to your favourite liquor beverages

“Consumers will buy, but drink at their own homes.

“We are going to adhere to the rules and regulations which will be set, even though they will still be of a disadvantage to us because, for example, at my tavern people only start to buy around 9pm.

“But it would be better than nothing because now people want alcohol and it is also our source of income.

“I would rather we operate at special hours than living in fear that people might break into our stores because they want alcohol.”

Africa Check: South Africans drink the most in Africa

Not everyone, everyone, agrees with him.

EK FM radio anchor and administrator of the Brakpan Local Football Association Votile Jack says the country has more pressing issues than the selling of alcohol.

“I do sympathise with liquor consumers, but I feel it is important that we all adhere to the new rules and regulations because this pandemic won’t be forever.

“There’s going to be conflict among residents and law enforcement officers.

“We might even see the number of fatalities and police brutality increase because as soon as alcohol becomes available people will be moving frequently.

“I think we should all use this time to focus on ourselves and our families,” says Jack.

He adds that selling liquor might also increase the number of domestic violence cases.

Follow us on: