LTASA represents a large number of the independently owned retail and wholesale (distribution) liquor trade throughout South Africa.
“We respect and support our government’s commitment to save as many lives as possible during this pandemic. We applaud the courageous and difficult steps taken by our President and his dedicated team of Ministers and advisers to combat the spread of Covid-19, whilst balancing on the one hand the necessity of this task, and on the other hand the devastating impact on our economy,” the association said in their proposal.
The proposal argued that limited trading hours could lead to excessive queuing and looting.
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“Such limited days and hours will inevitably create a pressure-cooker situation where customers will stand in long queues in the streets, and will boil over into frustration and possibly violence and looting when 12pm arrives and they have not entered the premises yet.
“If trading were to be allowed from 9am to 6pm from Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 4pm on Saturday, this will reduce pressure. It would be socially and economically more beneficial from every perspective. Furthermore, this would spread the demand and allow for a gradual but consistent supply.”
LTASA proposed a new system in which alcohol is sold to consumers from Monday to Saturday and is based on alphabetical order of surnames.
- All those whose surname starts with any of the letters between A to M will be allowed to purchase booze on Mondays and Wednesdays.
- Those whose surnames start with N to Z would be able to purchase on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- All consumers would be allowed to purchase on a Friday and Saturday, irrespective of surnames. Customers would have to produce their IDs when purchasing between Monday to Thursday.
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“The idea is to get half of the population visiting some days, and the other half other days,” says association spokesperson Sean Robinson.
“We’re not sure this is totally practical of easily implementable, but we need something, we’re trying to assist government in managing the surge.”
LTASA proposed that a consumer can purchase any five items of liquor only. One item is:
- Beer or ready-to-drink product (example cider) non-returnable: one tray (24 bottles/cans);
- Beer or ready-to-drink product (example cider) returnable: one crate (12 bottles);
- Still or sparkling wine: one box (six bottles);
- Boxed wine: one box;
- Spirits/liqueurs or fortified wine: one bottle.
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