Johannesburg – South Africa’s alcoholic-beverage makers are pushing the government to allow smaller bars to convert into drink-collection points when a nationwide ban on sales is lifted next week.
Allowing taverns in poorer communities to sell alcohol for home consumption will prevent local residents from traveling long distances and help reduce illicit sales, said Richard Rushton, chief executive officer of Distell Group Holdings Ltd in an interview on Monday.
He added that the state should extend opening hours beyond initial proposal for a Monday to Thursday window to reduce crowding
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Sunday that the sale of alcohol would be allowed when the lockdown is eased from June 1.
“We really are hoping that in the hours ahead the inclusion of the smaller licensed outlets are incorporated in the final regulations,” Rushton said.
