The liquor industry on Sunday said the government should start preparing for lifting the alcohol ban following recommendations by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC).
The sector has welcomed suggestions from the council that the prohibition should be stopped because there is no severe pressure on hospital beds set aside to treat COVID-19 patients.
Last month, the government imposed an immediate ban on the sale and distribution of alcohol to free up trauma units.
The National Liquor Traders Council and the Beer Association are among the organizations that have made submissions.
Spokesperson Sibani Mngadi said: “And it’s becoming clear that for now, there’s no pressure on the health system in terms of beds available. The Western Cape is peaking, reaching about 70% capacity in terms of beds available. Gauteng announced last week that there’s a 57% capacity that is currently being used and therefore there is no clear justification.”
The industry said over 100,000 jobs have been affected by the liquor ban and has requested that the government defers the payment of R5 billion currently due to the South African Revenue Service until the ban on alcohol sales has been lifted.
-EWN
In other news – Actress Sannah Mchunu aka Zodwa from Gomora speaks on leaving her abusive rich husband
She’s the woman everyone loves to hate – Zodwa, the alcoholic mom of the darling Teddy in Gomora. She leaves destruction wherever she goes and is known for her quirky one-liners that embarrass her son but make Mzansi laugh.
Actress Sannah Mchunu (48) loves playing the loud-mouthed, troublemaking drunk mom in the popular Mzansi Magic telenovela. continue reading
Post a Comment