Restaurants being ‘targeted’ by police - Rasa
The Restaurant Association of South Africa (Rasa) claims eateries are increasingly being targeted by police amid its dispute with government over sale of alcohol.
While restaurants have been given the green light to operate during the Covid-19 lockdown, the suspension of the sale of alcohol remains a bone of contention.
“I cannot comprehend the disgust that I feel with the inefficiency to deal with this competently,” says Rasa CEO Wendy Alberts.
“What we’ve lost is that we’ve lost Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and we cannot afford to lose another five days.
“I’m appalled. I have no words, I don’t know where else to go to.”
Alberts says the industry is seeking legal counsel on the matter.
Last week restaurants across the country hosted a peaceful protest against the ban on the sale of alcohol.
“We asked President Cyril Ramaphosa to join us and he failed to acknowledge this industry,” she adds.
Alberts says they have noticed an increase in the policing of eateries since they opened their doors for business.
“The targeting by police officers is just wrong. We are not doing anything; we are law abiding people.
“We are a compliant industry; we don’t want any trouble,” she adds.
The industry is expected to hold further engagements with the Presidency’s office.
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