South African Breweries (SAB) is challenging the constitutionality of the alcohol ban, stating that over 165 000 people have already lost their jobs as a result of alcohol bans related to lockdowns last year.
SAB says the ban violates the right to freedom of trade, the right to human dignity, privacy, and the right to bodily and psychological integrity. Whilst in favour of measured alcohol restrictions to curtail the spread of Covid-19, SAB stated that it is unreasonable and unnecessary to completely ban the sale of alcohol during the lockdown.
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika on Wednesday, Lethu Tshabangu of Ukhamba Beerworx said that apart from the huge impact on jobs and investment that immediate bans have, constitutionality is also an issue: “Where does our social contract go as far as telling another adult if they cannot or can have alcohol in the safety of their house… We’ve been struggling with job creation in this country since basically the ’90s – every year, every government that comes to power talks about job creation, are we able to come back from losing jobs right now?”
The sale of alcohol was banned at the end of 2020 when South Africa moved into Level 3 lockdown to try curb the spread of Covid-19. The government said it would reassess restrictions on movement and the sale of alcohol on 15 January although there has been speculation that even more severe restrictions would be implemented as the number of Covid-19 cases surges, as the country experiences a surge in infections.