Tavern owners fight for survival

MBOMBELA – Furthermore, taverns are seeking clarity from government as to when the ban on alcohol sales will be lifted and under what conditions.

This was spelled out by the convener of the National Liquor Traders Council (NLTC), Lucky Ntimane, who also
announced a Tavern Relief Programme that seeks to raise R100 million to support its 34 500 taverns over a two to three-month period, by providing food parcels and other necessary supplies.

He said they hoped to raise this through industry partners and the general public.

“We will identify taverns in need through associations affiliated with the NLTC and we will respond accordingly. The council is seeking a government support grant for its taverns via a once-off payment of R20 000 each, which will require further support of R690 million,” said Ntimane.

READ: Minister congratulates Master KG on hit song

“We are further calling on the president to outline when the ban on alcohol sales will be lifted and under what conditions. If the government acts now and lifts the ban, we can begin to recover and prevent this catastrophe,” he continued.

“The unfortunate decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa to suspend the sale of alcohol has shattered the entire alcohol industry and its extensive value chain.

The fact that the government failed to consult with the industry before the ban added salt to the already gaping wound.

“The government’s posture as regards support for taverns has been mute, and its lack of appetite to engage with
the NLTC on the issue of preserving livelihoods and lifting the alcohol ban has been ignored,” stressed Ntimane.
Ramaphosa imposed yet another ban on alcohol with immediate effect, on Sunday July 12.

He said the ban would help contain the spread of the coronavirus and take some pressure off the national healthcare
system. This ban has angered those within the liquor industry and the public in general.

“The government continues to treat the industry with disdain and with no alternatives for support being entertained
or even acknowledged.

ALSO READ: Covid-19 UIF benefit extended to August

“This attitude is the hallmark of an uncaring government, which small business owners operating in the townships have been subjected to for a long time. It seems determined to reinforce the stereotypical perception of taverns and tavern owners as, at best inconsequential, and at worst, irrelevant,” added Ntimane.
He said the cornerstone of the township economy is underpinned by two major industries, the taxi and liquor businesses.
“With liquor industry effectively being shut down, the township economy is on its knees with no sign of growth
expected in the next few years.

“The worrisome trend is that black businesses in the township market continue to bear the brunt of an uncaring
government not keen to supporting their growth, let alone their existence,” he concluded.