Issued by FTI Consulting on behalf of the South African Liquor Industry
The alcohol industry has issued a stern warning to liquor traders to abide by regulations, and encourages consumers to make use of their hotline to report transgressions.
A number of alcohol outlets have had their licences revoked for contravening the Covid-19 and liquor trading regulations.
The alcohol industry issued a statement that, “The alcohol industry has written to the owners of these outlets, informing them of the decision to stop supplies until their licensing conditions have been changed.”
South African Liquor Brandowners Association (SALBA) CEO Kurt Moore said, “The alcohol industry has taken a firm position on this: if a trader fails to comply with the regulations and loses their licence, collectively, we have agreed that we will stop servicing and supplying them.”
The industry has seen the devastating impact of the ban on the value chain. It has put in place responsible practices and forms of behaviour to trade responsibly to ensure that the livelihoods of many thousands of people across the industry’s value chain are protected.
Also read: Alcohol industry welcomes a call to review the booze ban
Beer Association of South Africa (BASA) CEO Patricia Pillay said, “We are committed to continuing to work closely with the government and traders to ensure compliance with the gazetted provisions. These rules include making sure they never exceed more than 50% of capacity in their outlets; to insist on face masks; to obey the stated opening hours; and to not sell to visibly intoxicated customers, minors or pregnant women.”
The alcohol industry has provided a hotline for traders and customers to report any breach of the regulations.
The industry urges consumers to call the Consumer Goods Council hotline on 0800-014-856 to report any violation of the regulations.
The tip-offs will be reported to the SAPS, who will investigate. Individuals who are found to be breaking the law will be prosecuted.
Manufacturers are promoting the hotline number on their websites and platforms.
The industry is committed to partnering in a new social compact with government to save businesses and jobs in the sector. The sector has committed an investment of R150 million into direct harm reduction interventions and programmes over the coming year to assist the government in dealing with the health and social burden of alcohol misuse. “We call on traders and consumers alike to abide by all the lockdown rules and make sure that drinking occasions do not contribute to the spread of infections and create an unnecessary burden on the health system,” said Moore.
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