The Beer Association of South Africa says 30 percent of local breweries have shut down.
The Beer Association of South Africa (Basa) has warned that many small businesses in the sector will not survive the extended alcohol ban.
The association said that the beer sector supports 415,000 livelihoods, 165,000 people have already lost their jobs, and 30 percent of local breweries have had to permanently shut down.
Basa said it was aware of the need for urgent interventions to curb the spread of Covid-19 but argued that this cannot be at the expense of people’s livelihoods. “Over 100,000 people have already slid into poverty because of the alcohol ban in the beer industry alone.”
Our members, especially small business owners and their employees, now have no way to put food on the table, and care for their loved ones who may also fall ill.
The association said that it will be requesting an urgent meeting with the Presidency and various ministries to unpack the rationale being used for the extension of the ban and its implications for the beer sector.
“We will also resubmit our proposals to encourage moderate, responsible consumption. We will also reiterate our proposal for off-site consumption trade to be resumed within the framework of the existing curfew, restriction on gatherings and events,” it said.
South African Breweries (SAB) announced that it plans to challenge the constitutionality of South Africa’s latest alcohol ban in court.
The brewer said legal action was its last resort available in protecting its employees, suppliers, customers, consumers and all the livelihoods they support.
