Job losses and the death of businesses: industry warns about impact of another alcohol ban

As South Africa prepares for stricter lockdown regulations to be announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday night, the alcohol industry has warned that the imposition of another liquor ban will be disastrous and will end up being a death knell for small businesses. 

"Another ban will offer a severe blow to thousands of small businesses still trying to get back on their feet from the previous bans, resulting in even more job losses, business closures and loss in revenue for the national fiscus," the Beer Association of SA (BASA), which represents the Craft Brewers Association, Heineken and SA Breweries (SAB) said in a statement.  

"This is true for all producers, but most especially for small brewers who are currently barely surviving."