The National Liquor Traders’ Council (NLTC) says despite the relaxing of curfew regulations, the public must continue adhering to COVID-19 health protocols.
After a special meeting held on Thursday, Cabinet approved several changes to the Adjusted Alert Level 1 COVID-19 regulations.
This includes, no restrictions on the hours of movement.
Gatherings are now restricted to no more than 1 000 people indoors and 2 000 people outdoors.
Alcohol establishments that have licenses to operate beyond 11 pm will revert back to full license conditions.
The NTLC’s Spokesperson Lucky Ntimane says, “We welcome the move because it allows us that extra hour or two to be able to serve our customers. It also is good for our recovery efforts as the alcohol industry has suffered almost five alcohol bans which amounts to about 26 weeks of non-trading. So the announcement last night is welcomed relief but people need to understand that this is also not a license for non-compliance. It does not mean that COVID-19 is gone or disappeared.”
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Restaurant
Meanwhile, the Restaurants Association of South Africa (RASA) has thanked President Cyril Ramaphosa and Cabinet for lifting the curfew ahead of New Year celebrations.
RASA CEO, Wendy Alberts says: “The industry is absolutely delighted with the lifting of the curfew. It has been well received by all the restaurants and I think it shows support and collaboration between government and the public sector.”
“It’s a reward for the way South Africans have managed the 4th wave so responsibly. We all want to open up the economy, we want to protect livelihoods. We want to show the world that we are leaders in being able to move through the pandemic without causing hardships. Our industry has been heavily impacted over the last 2 years,” she adds.
