https://www.engineeringnews.co.za

Distell welcomes opening up of sector, but calls for clarity on key concerns

26th May 2020

By: Tasneem Bulbulia

Deputy Editor Online

     

Font size: - +

South African drinks company Distell Holdings has welcomed the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa that the country’s move to Level 3 of lockdown would include the sale of alcohol for home consumption under strict conditions.

Ramaphosa confirmed that these conditions had not been finalised and would be done so following further discussions with the sector.

Distell is part of industry associations that have been engaging with the government to develop practical trading proposals to support the government’s Covid-19 objectives.

“We welcome the movement by government to allow the alcohol industry to return to responsible trading. The alcohol industry currently contributes to nearly a million jobs along the value chain, and supports nearly 800 small and medium-sized enterprises.

"We are working with government and providing input on the draft proposals,” comments Distell CEO Richard Rushton.

Distell’s two areas of concern are the unintended consequences of restricted trading that will result in overcrowding, and continue to incentivise illicit trade, the company says. 

Secondly, it notes that it wants to ensure the economic inclusion of taverners who are currently excluded from transforming to off-consumption outlets.

One of the solutions is a ‘click and collect’ model which has been developed with taverns to ensure physical distancing measures are followed, in the same way that traditional restaurants will be allowed to operate.

The taverner associations have committed to ensuring adherence to health and safety regulations, as well as social distancing at all times.

This forms part of industry’s educational and training initiatives aimed primarily at 34 500 tavern owners to ensure they provide a safe environment for customers in which to trade.

Part of the support for taverns includes supplying free personal protective equipment packages, as well as educational and training materials to meet strict Covid-19 safety protocols.

Edited by Chanel de Bruyn
Creamer Media Online Managing Editor

Article Enquiry

Email Article

Save Article

Feedback

To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here

Showroom

Aluminium Federation of South Africa
Aluminium Federation of South Africa

The Aluminium Federation of South Africa (AFSA), is the voice of the South African aluminium industry.

VISIT SHOWROOM 
Rittal
Rittal

Rittal is a world leading provider of top-quality integrated systems for enclosures, power distribution, climate control, IT infrastructure and...

VISIT SHOWROOM 

Latest Multimedia

sponsored by

Option 1 (equivalent of R125 a month):

Receive a weekly copy of Creamer Media's Engineering News & Mining Weekly magazine
(print copy for those in South Africa and e-magazine for those outside of South Africa)
Receive daily email newsletters
Access to full search results
Access archive of magazine back copies
Access to Projects in Progress
Access to ONE Research Report of your choice in PDF format

Option 2 (equivalent of R375 a month):

All benefits from Option 1
PLUS
Access to Creamer Media's Research Channel Africa for ALL Research Reports, in PDF format, on various industrial and mining sectors including Electricity; Water; Energy Transition; Hydrogen; Roads, Rail and Ports; Coal; Gold; Platinum; Battery Metals; etc.

Already a subscriber?

Forgotten your password?

MAGAZINE & ONLINE

SUBSCRIBE

RESEARCH CHANNEL AFRICA

SUBSCRIBE

CORPORATE PACKAGES

CLICK FOR A QUOTATION







301

sq:0.047 0.084s - 141pq - 2rq
Subscribe Now