Nhlakanipho Mncwabe

The government is currently considering a proposal by the Restaurant Association of South Africa (RISA) to lift the ban on alcohol sale and evening curfew.

On Wednesday, 22 July 2020, RASA  handed their memorandum to Tourism Minister Mmamaloko Kubayi-Ngubane, which is still being considered by the government.

RASA’s CEO, Wendy Alberts said in an interview with the business tech, ‘‘The proposal would see the introduction of triangle areas, where individual communities take responsibility for alcohol related harms in specific areas.’’

Alberts further added that under this system, individual consumers would have to apply for a permit to purchase alcohol, likely at a police station and would have to apply using their phone number and other forms of registration.

This would extend to tavern and bar owners refusing to serve a customer who possibly drink and drive, as well as specific community-led interventions around hotspots areas which have high number of crimes related to alcohol consumption.

Alberts stated that amongst their grievances was that the government ease covid-19 trade restrictions for the restaurant and hospitality industry especially around serving alcohol and the 21:00 curfew.

When asked about the likelihood of success in lifting the ban, Alberts indicated that the proposal is effectively a demand as the restaurant industry cannot continue under the current regulations.

RASA  was expecting an official response from the government on Wednesday, 29 July 2020 and the Minister has not responded to the proposal.

Picture: Pixabay