Tebogo Msimanga |
The Beer Association of South Africa (BASA) says it acknowledges the severity of the Covid-19 second wave and the immense pressure on the healthcare system, however they do not agree with the alcohol ban announced by the President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday evening.
The Beer Association of South Africa comprises the Craft Brewers Association and Heineken South Africa
CEO of BASA Patricia Pillay said the previous two alcohol bans had a devastating impact on the beer industry, with 7 400 job losses, R14.2 billion in lost sales revenue and 30% of breweries being forced to shut their doors. Pillay added that a third alcohol ban will cost jobs and increase illicit sales.
“ In addition, the government lost R7.4 billion in taxes and excise duties that could have been used in the fight against Covid-19. This third ban will do untold economic damage to the beer sector and the 415 000 livelihoods it supports.”
Pillay said there is much that the industry and government can do to encourage moderate, responsible consumption and to penalise those who break the rules.
BASA believes that a third alcohol ban will do more harm than good. “We will therefore continue to engage with government on what needs to be done to save lives and livelihoods as we work together to beat Covid-19.” Concluded Pillay.
