The South African Liquor Brand Owners Association has warned that a new alcohol ban will have a devastating effect on the industry.<\/p>\n
This comes after the Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) has recommended that South Africa be put into a higher level of lockdown over the Easter weekend.<\/p>\n
The committee said stricter lockdown rules, which include a potential move to alert level 2, could help to prevent a surge in COVID-19 infections.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver this period there is a risk that we could see super spreader events with all the festivities and activities that go on over the Easter weekend,\u201d said MAC chair professor Barry Schoub.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, the advisory is for a temporary increase in lockdown restrictions over this period of time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Health minister Zweli Mkhize confirmed that a decision to move the country to a higher lockdown level is now being discussed by government officials.<\/p>\n
Mkhize said the government wants to discourage super-spreader events over the Easter weekend and avoid inter-provincial movement which could lead to spreading the virus.<\/p>\n
The decision about lockdown restrictions will be based on recommendations from epidemiological experts, business, and members of civil sector, the minister said.<\/p>\n
The contemplated lockdown restrictions include wider curfew hours, restrictions on gatherings, and limiting the sale of alcohol.<\/p>\n