Liquor associations want taverns to serve as booze collection points
A consortium of liquor associations have called for taverns to serve as collection points when the sale of alcohol starts under level 3 of the lockdown.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Sunday that alcohol sales will be permitted from June 1, although it will be strictly regulated.
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President of the National Liquor Forum Winston Hector says taverns have suffered immensely since the start of the national lockdown.
"As the industry has not been permitted to operate for almost two months, this sector of the township economy has already been severely impacted.
"Our members have not been able to pay wages to their employees and to service other operating expenses in their businesses.''
He adds that between 80% to 90% of liquor sales in townships are done through taverns.
''Ultimately, our view regarding this request is to achieve a proper balance between the interests of our members and the need to prevent or alleviate the spread of the virus as aptly led by our government."
The consortium consists of associations of township-based taverns and shebeens representing more than 50,000 members.