PRESS STATEMENT BY THE BEER ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA
30 June 2021
BASA supports SAB’s court action to overturn the 4th alcohol ban
The Beer Association of South Africa (BASA) fully supports South African Breweries’ (SAB) court application to overturn the current 14 day fourth alcohol ban, which is in effect until 11th of July 2021.
While the beer industry is committed to working with government to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 third wave, this cannot be at the expense of businesses and critical jobs within the sector.
As a member of the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac), BASA has made a number of submissions to the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJoints) on interventions to stop the spread of infections and ease pressure on the national health system. Our members have also contributed funding to support the national health system and have offered to assist government with its vaccination drive.
Yet, despite these engagements, the national government has failed to make available the scientific data on which it has based its decision to shut down the beer industry for a fourth time over the past 15 months. This includes any data that proves there is a causal link between beer sales and the spread of Covid-19. In the absence of this evidence, a blanket ban on the alcohol industry is irrational.
We maintain that the implementation of a mass vaccination programme, a curfew, a ban on large gatherings and the enforcement of mask wearing and social distancing is the only way we can protect lives, while also safeguarding livelihoods over the coming weeks.
We simply cannot stand back and watch more businesses and critical jobs being decimated and so we stand with SAB on its decision to approach the courts to force government to reopen the alcohol industry. BASA is also currently considering other possible action steps against the current ban and will communicate on these in due course.
Media enquiries:
Thabi Ndhlovu
061 993 6672
