Lockdown Alcohol Ban: Restaurant Owners to Protest at Union Buildings

Lockdown Alcohol Ban: Restaurant Owners to Protest at Union Buildings

- The Restaurant Association of South Africa (RASA) is calling for the alcohol ban to be lifted

- The association is concerned that restaurants will not be able to make enough money without the sale of alcohol

- According to RASA, there has been an increased loss of jobs in the industry due to alcohol bans

PAY ATTENTION: Join Briefly News' Telegram channel! Never miss important updates!

The alcohol ban during the adjusted level 3 of lockdown is making it difficult for restaurants to make money during the pandemic. Restaurant owners are now set to protest against the government for closing down alcohol sales.

Liquor traders have also been calling for the ban to be lifted since alcohol sales have been prohibited since 28 December 2020.

The Restaurant Association of South Africa (RASA) decided to do a sit-in at the Union Buildings in Pretoria earlier today. The association is arguing that closing the sale of alcohol has led to the loss of more jobs in their industry.

Read also

Mzansi pastors are protesting against lockdown church closures

“It is a very, very emotional, very devastating time for our industry as many of these restaurants will never ever be able to open if we don’t do something immediately," said Wendy Alberts, from the association.
Lockdown alcohol ban: Restaurant owners to protest at Union Buildings
The prohibition of alcohol sales has made it hard for restaurants to make money. Image: Gulshan Khan/AFP and Georges Gobet/AFP
Source: Getty Images

According to Alberts, the association is looking for a way forward so that alcohol can be sold once again.

"We need to let them hear the voice of the restaurants, of the industry, of the restaurateurs and find a viable, workable solution that we can collaborate in both supporting government," said Alberts.

The government is still not letting up on the ban, when President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on 11 January 2021, it was made clear that alcohol sales will remain closed because it is aiding hospitals in having less alcohol-related trauma in the wards.

In other news, Briefly.co.za reported that the ANC will tirelessly work against Covid-19 unemployment, according to Ramaphosa. President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed the closing of the African National Congress' National Executive Council Lekgotla.

Read also

World's largest vaccine production site catches fire in India

Commenting on the resolutions of the gathering, Ramaphosa says that the ANC aims to work tirelessly to end poverty, inequality and unemployment caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The gathering was attended by party deployees, alliance partners, members of civil society and traditional leaders.

Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLY's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news! 

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Thando Mpembe avatar

Thando Mpembe Thando Mpembe is a sports journalist who has a passion for all things entertainment. In her spare time, Thando enjoys reading and spending time with family. She is an advocate for mental health and believes that a healthy body starts with a healthy mind. Thando holds an Honours Degree in Journalism from the University of Johannesburg. Her favourite quote is "Gentle reminder - you are not for everyone and that is a blessing". Email: thando.mpembe@briefly.co.za