The alcohol industry has revealed the disastrous financial implications of government’s prohibition of alcohol sales during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
An assessment of the economic impact of the three alcohol bans in 2020 and 2021 shows that R36.3 billion has been lost in revenue, putting 200 200 jobs supported by the alcohol value chain at risk in the nation’s informal and formal economy.
The report, prepared by the South African Liquor Brandowners Association (SALBA), Beer Association of South Africa (BASA) and VinPro, shows the cumulative impact of the three alcohol bans, including the five-week ban between 29 December 2020 and 2 February 2021.
SALBA’s chief executive officer, Kurt Moore, says that not only is…