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SA's largest online retailer Takealot.com has not restarted selling beer and wine after it was directed to stop selling alcohol owing to unspecified licence problems.
The group said it was still working to ensure its liquor licences are "technically appropriate" for e-commerce, without explaining further.
Takealot, which usually offers an array of alcoholic beverages for sale, has only offered non-alcoholic and dealcoholised beer and wine for sale for the past two weeks or so.
This means it has lost out on sales over the New Year's period.
"Although our business model has not changed at all while operating under the licences we have, we unfortunately have been directed not to retail liquor while we reach alignment," it said in response to a request for comment.
"We will work as quickly as possible to resolve this matter as we recognise the impact this will have on some of our sellers, suppliers and customers."
Some members of the public took to social media to air their frustration and look for alternatives.
No alcohol available on @TAKEALOT at the moment ?????????????????? Anyone know of a good place to order an alcoholic gift to get delivered? pic.twitter.com/m1o1s8TIFG
— Pixie's Dad (@JustABlackPug) December 29, 2023
Takealot is a subsidiary of the Naspers group, which also owns Media24.