COSATU wants liquor ban lifted: Government must protect jobs

- COSATU has called for the controversial liquor ban to end amid increasing pressure on the government to relax the prohibition

- The union federation insists that the state has a duty to protect the livelihoods of those who depend on alcohol sales

- Matthew Parks says the union felt the ban was simply a temporary measure to assist hospitals

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COSATU has joined the mounting calls for the end of the liquor ban amid the Covid-19 national lockdown.

The union federation says that the government has a responsibility to protect the citizens who depend on the industry to make a living:

"We too bear in mind that hundreds of thousands of workers depend upon the sale of alcohol in legal companies, from the farms to the distilleries, to the transportation systems, manufacturing, retailers, and restaurants."

eNCA reports that representative Matthew Parks called for the state to find a balance between protecting the nation's health and an already fragile economy:

"So we need to get the balance right. For us the banning of alcohol including the lockdown was a temporary measure to give space to the hospitals."

READ ALSO: DA on tobacco, liquor ban: Ramaphosa must choose SA, not ANC beliefs

COSATU suggested that strict regulations should be put in place to ensure citizens drink responsibly.

Meanwhile, IOL reports that the Restaurant Association of SA revealed that it is receiving numerous reports of illegal alcohol sales in restaurants.

Chief executive Wendy Alberts says these incidents cripple the effort to convince the state that the ban should be lifted:

“We are encouraging restaurants to stay compliant. We understand the economic impact the regulations have had on the industry but restaurants cannot break the law. We are working hand in hand with the government to have the liquor ban lifted. The only way we can ensure victory is by abiding by the law."

Earlier, Briefly.co.za reported that the Democratic Alliance had called for the ban to be immediately lifted.

The opposition party insists that ANC ideals, not scientific advice, is what keeps this restriction firmly in place.

In a statement issued by the party on the matter, the DA called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to 'choose SA' and not his fellow comrades.

With the economy losing billions and haemorrhaging jobs the DA highlighted the urgent need to reopen the sector.

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Source: Briefly News