President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected the Gauteng Liquor Forum’s request to relax the rules and allow its members to sell alcohol during the national lockdown.
The decision was communicated to the forum’s attorneys on Friday via the offices of the State Attorney.
“The President [Cyril Ramaphosa] and government as a whole remain committed to financially supporting businesses in distress during this period. The President has carefully considered the representations made by the Gauteng Liquor Forum,” the Presidency said in a statement on Saturday.
“These, however, have had to be weighed up against the imperative of all South African businesses and citizens to comply with the lockdown regulations, the health implications of consumption of alcohol and the priority to ensure social distancing during this principle.”
“As such, alcohol is not considered an essential good or item. It is in fact considered a hindrance to the fight against the Coronavirus.”
The sale
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