Industry organisation the Beer Association of South Africa (Basa) says it fully supports beer maker South African Breweries’ (SAB’s) court application to overturn the current 14-day alcohol ban, which is due to remain in effect until July 11.
“While the beer industry is committed to working with government to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 third wave, this cannot be at the expense of businesses and critical jobs within the sector,” Basa emphasises.
As a member of the National Economic Development and Labour Council, Basa has made a number of submissions to the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure on interventions to stop the spread of infections and ease pressure on the national health system.
Basa adds that its members have also contributed funding to support the national health system and have offered to assist government with its vaccination drive.
“Yet, despite these engagements, the national government has failed to make available the scientific data on which it has based its decision to shut down the beer industry for a fourth time over the past 15 months,” Basa says.
“We maintain that the implementation of a mass vaccination programme, a curfew, a ban on large gatherings and the enforcement of mask wearing and physical distancing is the only way we can protect lives, while also safeguarding livelihoods over the coming weeks,” it adds.