South Africa Lifts Ban on Alcohol Sales

After almost five months, South Africa has lifted the ban on domestic alcohol sales. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced last night that sales could begin again today, August 17th, and also that restaurants and bars could re-open. Alcohol can now be sold for consumption Monday through Thursday though sales must stop at 10pm.

Even with the restrictions, this is good news for the South Africa drinks industry which has had a difficult few months due to the sales, consumption, and export regulations in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Back in March, wine exports were banned, an act that was then lifted April 7th. The ban was imposed again April 16th and again removed May 1st. Throughout this rollercoaster, the domestic sales of alcohol remained prohibited.

Due to these restrictions, it is estimated that the alcohol industry in South Africa has experienced a revenue loss in the hundreds of millions of dollars and close to 200 thousand jobs have been lost. The industry can now breathe a sigh of relief, and begin the task of rebuilding an industry that has lost a great deal. For more information on this news, please read the attached Drinks Business article.

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