The industry may resume the domestic sale of liquor products for off-consumption by licensed vendors from 1 June 2020, when the country moves to alert level 3 of the COVID-19 Risk Adjusted Strategy, within strict guidelines.
This according to the announcement by Minister Dlamini-Zuma of the Department of Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), as well as the latest regulations published in the Government Gazette this afternoon.
View the full regulations here.
In essence, the following applies:
- The sale of liquor at any off-consumption licensed premises is permitted from Monday to Thursday, between 09:00 and 17:00, with distributors permitted to start with transportation and delivery of liquor from 29 May 2020 – subject to directives which may still be issued by the relevant Cabinet Minister.
- In terms of the regulations, any business with a liquor licence from the National or a Provincial Liquor Authority will be permitted to sell liquor for off-site consumption.
- Weekend sales of liquor, including public holidays, will remain explicitly prohibited.
- Online sales of liquor are allowed, but liquor delivery will have to be between 09:00 and 17:00 Monday to Thursday.
- Inspection, certification and related services (SAWIS & DALRRD) to support the wine industry during alert level 3. Read more.
- It also needs to be emphasised that the relevant health protocols and social distancing measures must be adhered to at all times. The following Health and Safety Protocols have been designed and we trust all entities to please implement and execute accordingly.
“We realise that there might still be a number of areas that need clarification, including the specific directions by the relevant Cabinet member mentioned above. Our team is currently seeking clarification on specific details and will communicate this via a Q&A once we have final confirmation,” says Vinpro MD Rico Basson.
“In the interim, let’s celebrate the fact that our industry will finally be able to resume local trade as a next step towards rebuilding our industry following the COVID-19 pandemic.”
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