Soshanguve tavern owners cry foul over alcohol ban

Soshanguve tavern owners say the recent alcohol ban has allowed for the illicit trade of alcohol to strive in the township.

The ban came after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that alcohol sales for on-site or off-site consumption would be prohibited from 28 June to 11 July, as he moved the country to adjusted alert level 4 in response to rising Covid-19 figures.

Tavern owner Martha Morobane said the alcohol ban was affecting the well-being of their families.

Morobane said she was not surprised that other tavern owners in the township were breaking the rules by continuing to sell alcohol because of the tough times they were facing.

“If I had alcohol, I would probably also sell it because we are suffering. One day of not selling affects us a lot, now what about 14 days?

“We are not sure even if we will be able to sell alcohol after the 14 days. We have debts we must pay, rent and families to feed. The closure was so inconvenient because it was the weekend just before month-end.

“It is not like we will also have alcohol when we are allowed to sell, because you wait for days for an order to be delivered. The other places where you can get the alcohol will be full because everyone will be rushing to buy.”

Another owner, Mojalefa Moholo, said customers were now subjected to “take it or leave it” prices.

“The illicit traders sell the alcohol at ridiculous prices and sometimes even triple the original prices. This is affecting us very bad.”

Moholo said the alcohol ban was not as effective in the township as most of the people in the area could still access alcohol.

“People drink every day, and it is not like alcohol is difficult to find. Some tavern owners have been forced to sell to these illicit traders because they need the money to put food on the table.”

In a statement last week Sunday, the Beer Association of South Africa said it was seeking legal advice on the national government’s “inexplicable decision” to implement a fourth alcohol ban.

“As others have pointed out, there is a vaccine against Covid-19, but not against poverty. The rise in infections is a direct result of large gatherings, a lack of social distancing and the failure to wear masks – not alcohol.

“We have repeatedly communicated to government how the previous three alcohol bans have devastated thousands of small businesses leaving owners, their employees and families destitute. Many more businesses will now find themselves on the brink of closure as a result of the latest 14-day ban and no financial relief being made available by government.

“The fact is that the only way to overcome the pandemic and to prevent further waves of infections is for government to urgently roll out a mass vaccination programme,” the statement said.

“The latest ban is cause for celebration when it comes to the illicit alcohol industry, which cost the national fiscus R11.3-billion last year alone. The prohibition of alcohol will not stop South Africans drinking. Instead, consumers will purchase their alcohol from illegal outlets, putting their health and safety at risk.”

Police spokesperson Captain Stephen Maluleka said patrols at entertainment places would be stepped up to ensure illicit trading of alcohol did not happen during this period in which alcohol was banned.

He said they would also like to encourage the community to give them tip-offs on the “take it or leave it” pattern of illegal sales of alcohol in the neighbourhood.

“Anyone who witnesses any criminal activity in their surroundings or neighbourhood should contact the police on Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or My SAPS App Rietgat SAPS 012 432 7806.”

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