The Liquor Traders Association of South Africa has anticipated that alcohol sales could sky rocket during the first week of Level 3.
The LTASA has submitted a document to the government showing recommendations on how they believe alcohol should be sold under Level 3 lockdown. The recommendations seem fair and many suggest that the government simply couldn’t refuse this proposal.
LTASA has suggested these measures are put in place to combat the rush:
- All customers are required to bring Identification to the store
- People with surnames that begin with A to M can buy alcohol on Monday and Wednesdays
- People with surnames that begin with N to Z can buy alcohol on Tuesdays and Thursdays
- All citizens can purchase alcohol on Friday and Saturday
- Additional security guards put in place to provide safety to customers and staff
The ability to purchase alcohol will be determined by the first letter of your last name if the recommendations are accepted by the government.
Restricted hours for sales
According to Robinson, LTASA spokesperson, the trading hours proposed under Level 3 are that liquor stores may be open from Monday to Wednesday from 08:00 to 12:00.
That proposal was contained in a document released by the government at the end of April for comment.
“We urgently ask the government to reconsider these extremely restrictive hours. The proposed hours will raise demand significantly in those four hours on the three days.
“It will lead to long rows and congestion and will make it impossible to keep a safe distance. It can lead to anxiety, frustration and even the possibility of violence and looting, ” according to LTASA.
The organization suggests that liquor stores should be open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm; Saturdays from 9am to 4pm and Sundays and public holidays closed.
This will help control demand and ensure that liquor stores can control customers and that safety measures are adhered to.
It will also help staff not have to commute to work during the busiest times of the day and allow consumers to visit liquor stores after work hours.
Limit the amount of alcohol
The draft document issued by the government at the end of April also states that liquor sales will only be allowed if there is an approved industry plan on how to control the distance between people and there are limits to the quantity of liquor that may be purchased.
The limitations should be simple and practical. This should prevent people from going to liquor stores on a regular basis, but also prevent panic purchases.
It is recommended that a customer may purchase five items.
You may purchase 12 bottles (which can be returned) or 24 bottles (which cannot be returned) for beer and alcoholic beverages or a box of six bottles of wine or sparkling wine; and one bottle of spirits.
