File picture: Oupa Mokoena/African News Agency(ANA)
THE SOUTH African Liquor industry will not be supporting any festive season celebrations and events in order to aid the government’s efforts to curb the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The alcohol industry said in order to reduce the current spike in infections in hot spots like Gauteng, which on Sunday stood at 244,242 confirmed cases, it had decided as a sector to withdraw its support for associating its brands to any major events.
It also noted its members would not become involved in or associate themselves with any activities that had the potential of attracting crowds that exceeded the regulation restrictions of 50% capacity at a venue.
This, they said, was in line with the national disaster act regulations for the current lockdown Level 1, which also restricted the number of patrons to 250 people in an indoor setting with a maximum of 500 people for outdoor activities.
“The summer season is a time for social gatherings, celebrations and attending events, which can be ’super-spreader’ events and carry a huge risk of transmission of the coronavirus. As a nation, we simply cannot afford this. Let’s work together to limit the negative effects of excessive alcohol consumption and ensure a safe and responsible environment for all.”
“The alcohol industry calls on consumers, customers, event organisers and all interested parties to avoid gatherings that do not conform to the required and necessary Covid-19 health and safety regulations,” added Sibani Mngadi, the chairperson of SA Liquor Brandowners Association.