The associations, which reportedly represent about 50,000 shebeens and taverns, say selling booze in the townships will be beneficial for the government's aim to quash the spread of the coronavirus.
“This mass descent on very limited stockists will result in non-adherence to social distancing measures and will no doubt undo much of the good work being done by government in its attempts to curb the spread of Covid-19 within townships.”
The consortium said it was also worried about the large number of liquor distributors who were operating without permits prior to the lockdown. These are people who stand to be left behind should the government open sales for legitimate permit holders. “Our members have not been able to pay wages to their employees and to service other operating expenses in their businesses. Should the sale of alcohol continue to be suspended, many of our members many never recover post the lockdown period.”
Should the government allow shebeen and tavern owners to operate, the consortium said they would work with the police to ensure that lockdown regulations are adhered to and social distancing is implemented.
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