MZANSI is back on level 3 lockdown and once again, the booze is flowing.
News that the liquor industry is reopening has been met with joy.
Shai Nkuna, the manager of Nkuna Liquor Distributors in Mamelodi in Tshwane, said he was happy to sell beer again.
“We will make sure our customers are sanitised and wearing masks before they enter our shop.”
Emily Malapane, owner of Malapane shebeen in Mamelodi East, said she struggled during the ban.
Godfrey Mafolo (32) from Mamelodi East said he was happy he could buy his favourite beer again.
Tavern owner Thokozani Dlamini (47) said: “It will certainly take a long time to recover, but I’m happy we’re back to business.”
Another relieved tavern owner, Thandiswa Zulu (52), said: “It’s difficult to run a business on and off, especially when you rely on it to look after your kids.”
Reacting to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement on Sunday, 25 July, that the R350 grant would be reinstated, Tebogo Mashabelo (38) said he was grateful he would not go to bed hungry.
Meanwhile, the Beer Association of SA, made up of Craft Brewers Association, Heineken SA and SAB, said the ban lift would offer a lifeline to businesses on the brink of closure.
CEO Patricia Pillay said she welcomed the news that on-site consumption was allowed seven days a week until 8pm, and sales for off-site consumption from Monday to Thursday between 10am and 6pm.
She said the association would be writing to provincial government to ask that businesses that had their licences up for renewal be given a grace period and payment holiday to help get back on their feet.
“The beer industry is also appreciative of the three-month tax relief. The sector hopes the government will continue to engage with it regarding other proposals that will assist in rebuilding it.”
SAB’s Zoleka Lisa said the news was a welcome relief.
“Over 250 000 livelihoods depend on the beer value chain. Over one million livelihoods are supported by the alcohol industry,” she said.
