Liquor Trader Association says taverns can sell alcohol safely

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the limited sale of alcoholic beverages would be allowed under Level 3 of the lockdown from 1 June. The Liquor Trader Association is urging the government to consider taverns as collection points under the relaxed regulations.

The association’s president Winston Hector stated that through consultation with the Department of Trade and Industry, the government has stated they do not know whether township taverns are ready to trade safely.

Hector said they are ready to enforce social distancing as well as provide adequate personal protection equipment for traders to serve the communities. The industry argues that allowing taverns in poorer communities to sell alcohol for home consumption will prevent local residents travelling long distances and help reduce illicit sales.

Hector said a click and collect system would be employed to make sure people would not gather in groups at the taverns and would not be allowed to queue to facilitate social distancing.

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In other news – Bishop Bheki Ngcobo opposes limit on church gatherings,wants compensation for time out of service

Bishop Bheki Ngcobo has opposed the limit of people being allowed to gather for prayer in churches under Level 3 lockdown.

This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that places of worship would be allowed to gather under Level 3 but under strict conditions — hence the limit of 50 people. Read more

Source: eNCA