Industry organisations the South African Liquor Brandowners Association (Salba) and Vinpro are urging government to rely on the scientific advice of its own panel of health experts in the Ministerial Advisory Council (MAC) in responding to the surge in Covid-19 cases and the potential third wave of the pandemic.

The organisations stress that alcohol bans are not supported by health experts in the MAC.

Government deviated from recommendations of the MAC in dealing with the second wave of Covid-19 infections during the December festive season by implementing a full-on ban on alcohol sales from December 28, 2020, to February 1, 2021.

Government further considered banning alcohol during Easter, culminating in the restriction of sales for off consumption over the Easter weekend.

“Government has never provided any rationale behind its decisions to restrict alcohol sales for home consumption over weekends,” says Salba chairperson Sibani Mngadi.

“The cumulative impact of all these alcohol restrictions is devastating for the economy, putting at risk at least 200 200 jobs supported by the alcohol value chain.

“Sales revenue lost as a result of the bans was approximately R36.3-billion. The gross domestic product loss owing to the prohibitions is about R51.9-billion while tax revenue loss, excluding excise, to the fiscus from the value chain arising from the bans amounts to R29.3-billion,” adds Vinpro MD Rico Basson.

The industry has stepped up programmes to promote the responsible consumption of alcohol and bring about a behavioural change in society's attitude towards the abuse of alcohol, he reiterates.

"We are committed to playing our role in the economic recovery of South Africa. We continue to seek a social compact with the government, industry and civil society to promote responsible trading and sensible alcohol consumption.

"Open and transparent discussions on strategy and implementation should be the starting point," says Mngadi.

Meanwhile, the organisations say there is an urgent need to intensify the Covid-19 vaccine roll out and that limiting the size of gatherings and adherence to health protocols are the most effective measures to contain infections.

The surge in daily cases of infections is a warning to everyone to remain vigilant and adhere to health protocols, says Basson.

“We know that following the basics, namely maintaining physical distancing, hand sanitising and wearing a mask in public, is still the first line of defence against infection.”

This advice was supported by research carried out by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and the universities of Stellenbosch, Cape Town and Wits, which found that limiting the size and frequency of gatherings, ensuring proper ventilation, wearing masks and handwashing would effectively push back the third wave.

Mngadi says the recent rise in the infection rate is of great concern and calls on the government to step up the vaccination programme.

“The industry has repeatedly said it is willing to provide whatever logistical assistance the government requires to achieve this huge operational undertaking."