The South African Liquor Brand Owners’ Association (Salba) chairperson, Sibani Mngadi, has welcomed the relaxation of alcohol trading restrictions.
Under the adjusted coronavirus Alert Level one lockdown, non-essential establishments like bars and restaurants must close by 23:00pm to allow staff and patrons to go home before the curfew starts at midnight.
Alcohol sales are now permitted according to normal trading hours but not after 23:00pm.
Salba chairperson Sibani Mngadi says they want to see the recovery of the alcohol industry.
“We are hoping that now we can focus on the recovery of businesses. Something like R900 million has been lost as a result of the riots that happened in July. This affected a significant number of businesses. So, it is a great opportunity for us to begin to recover,” says Mngadi.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address to the nation:
Move to Level one
On Thursday night, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced South Africa’s move to Alert Level 1 lockdown from midnight.
This followed meetings of the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) and the President’s Coordinating Council.
“The hours of the curfew will change, from 12 midnight to 04:00am. Non-essential establishments like restaurants, bars, and fitness centres will need to close by 11pm to allow their employees and patrons to travel home before the start of the curfew,” the President said.
Adjusted Level 1 restrictions:
Curfew from 12 midnight to 4am.
No Alcohol sales after 11pm.
Gatherings limited to 750 people indoors, 2000 people outdoors excluding funerals.
Funerals restricted to 100 people.
Effective from 1 October 2021.
Spurce; SABCNEWS
Comments