Beer association and SAB welcome the lift of alcohol ban

The Beer Association of South African (Basa) and the South African Breweries (SAB) have welcomed the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa to lift the alcohol ban.

The president’s announcement follows the cabinet’s decision to move the country from alert level 4 to adjusted alert level 3 on Sunday evening.

Ramaphosa said the consumption and sale of on-site alcohol will be allowed seven days a week until 20:00 while outlets selling alcohol for home consumption can trade from Monday to Thursday between 10:00 and 18:00.

Vice President of Corporate Affairs at SAB Zoleka Lisa said the recent destruction and looting that swept the country submerged the alcohol industry even further into decimation and put countless more jobs at risk.

“Lifting the prohibition on alcohol sales comes as a welcome relief for our industry and the livelihoods that depend on us.

“Over 250 000 livelihoods depend on the beer value chain alone and over one million livelihoods are supported by the alcohol industry.

“We look forward to reinitiating the process of job creation and responsible growth for the industry, with an ultimate objective of returning confidence to ensure sustainability for all these livelihoods.”

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In a statement on Sunday, Basa said the reopening of the alcohol industry – after the latest four-week ban – will offer a lifeline to thousands of businesses and their employees across the alcohol value chain including liquor stores, taverns, restaurants and breweries.

“However, the announcement is cold comfort for many businesses that have not survived the alcohol bans that have been imposed over the past 16 months due to receiving zero financial assistance from the government,” Lisa said.

“It is therefore critical that those that have managed to stay afloat are still compensated through the Covid-19 Unemployment Insurance Fund Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS).

“Basa will also be writing to provincial governments to request that businesses that have their licences up for renewal be granted a grace period and payment holiday, in order to help them get back onto their feet over the immediate term,” Lisa said.

“The beer industry is also appreciative for the three-month tax relief announced by the president. The sector hopes that government will continue to engage with it regarding other proposals that will assist in rebuilding the industry after the four bans.

“We call on all liquor outlets and establishments to continue playing their part by enforcing the wearing of masks and social distancing in their establishments. We also call on consumers to drink in moderation and continue taking the necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from Covid-19,” Lisa concluded.

Maboneng Lifestyle owner Tebogo Mashigo said despite being happy to be able to sell again, the ban has affected his business a lot.

“One day we are open and the next we are closed – it has affected us a lot. This thing of having a maximum of 50 people is also affecting us.

“So yes, we are happy that we are back but making money from this business is very stressful.

“People will not be coming as much as we want because of the third wave, so it is a struggle.”

Mashigo said the hours that they have been allowed to operate are also having an impact on their business.

“People are not used to daytime fun, people will not come around 11:00 because they still have to sort out their stuff. We usually see people coming around 18:00 but now we have to close up at 20:00. So already there’s no business.”

Jaco Olivier who owns Grizzlies in Daspoort said they are more of a sports bar and alcohol plays a big factor in the business.

“Every time the alcohol ban sets in, the sports close as well and that affects us 10 times more. Now that the ban is lifted, we can start earning money again.

“I do not think the president was not fair in stopping the sale of alcohol at the time but it affects such a large area.”

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