The Gauteng Liquor Forum’s call to lift the ban on liquor or alcohol sales has been condemned by political parties and citizens in South Africa.
This comes after the forum wrote to President Cyril Ramaphosa calling for a complete easing for all restrictions relating to liquor sale in the country during the lockdown. When the lockdown came into effect on March 27, a ban on alcohol and cigarettes sale was also implemented.
The forum which represents thousands of owners said that the president has until Tuesday to relax the alcohol ban or be taken to court. Political parties have urged Ramaphosa to reject the relaxation of alcohol restrictions.
“The EFF (Economic Freedom Fighters) rejects calls to resume the sale of alcohol during the national lockdown which has been put in place by the government to combat the spread of COVID-19,”said EFF national spokesperson Vuyani Pambo.
The party said the purpose of the lockdown was to maintain social distance which would be difficult if alcohol sale was permitted.
ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe said, “The ANC calls on all South Africans to abide by the lockdown regulations as well as precautionary measures that were announced by government.”
The ban was also supported by parliament. Sibongiseni Dhlomo, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health, asked the president to “ignore” calls which would allows the sale of liquor.”A person who is under the influence of alcohol has a poor sense of judgement for the environment, space and time. This lockdown period does not need people who have poor sense of judgement,” he said.
