BL Premium reports that in a blow to the liquor, leisure, travel and tourism industries, President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday extended the government’s ban on alcohol sales by another two weeks.

“As things stand now, (Covid-19) infections remain extremely high ... we are experiencing a third wave which is worse than the first and second waves,” Ramaphosa said during a televised address. However, he also announced that sit-ins would be allowed at restaurants and eateries subject to strict protocols, such as restricting the number of patrons to less than 50% of capacity. Gyms would also be allowed to open. Schools will remain closed until 26 July. Industry players in the alcohol, leisure, travel and tourism sectors have warned that the current restrictions signal the death knell for recovery efforts. The alcohol sales bans on three separate occasions in 2020 for a total of 20 weeks have drawn widespread condemnation for the devastating effect on the economy, including R38bn in lost liquor sales, R27bn less tax revenue, job losses and billions in cancelled investment. The alcohol industry is fighting back against the fourth liquor ban in court, with SA Breweries arguing that there is no scientific evidence that banning alcohol sales reduces the number of Covid-19 infections. Even though the restaurant industry will now be breathing a sigh of relief, the continued ban on alcohol sales will hurt recovery efforts. “The list of restaurants that are closing is continuing to grow, and every minute we are receiving a notification of another closed restaurant,” said Wendy Alberts, CEO of Restaurant Association of SA.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Bekezela Phakathi at BusinessLive (paywall access only)

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