The National Liquor Traders Council is calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to immediately lift the ban on alcohol sales.
It fears that a collapsing tavern sector could lead to massive job losses if normal trading doesn’t return soon, this after the President announced an extension on the ban of alcohol sales.
Alcohol council representative Lucky Ntibane, told Newzroom Afrika that they are trying to engage and have a conversation with the President so that he stops ignoring their plight.
He said that the President is not prioritising bussiness and his actions will lead to the shunning of the liquor industry.
Ntibane revealed that the liquor industry contributes over R200 billion to the country’s coffers as well as over 250 000 jobs while supporting the township economy.
He went further to say buying liquor is same as buying bread at a supermarket therefore there is no reason to continue with the ban as buyers will drink in the comfort of their homes.
Ntibane said Ramaphosa has imposed a second pandemic on the industry. This is the third time that alcohol sales are being banned in South Africa.
