With alcohol sales expected to skyrocket as spirits go back on the market during Level 3 lockdown, preparations are being made to see that sales kick off in an orderly fashion.
A document has been submitted to the government by the Liquor Traders Association of South Africa (LTASA) recommending the best practice for alcohol sales when the country moves to the next stage of the lockdown.
Some measures the association suggested include:
– Additional security guards provided for sales points for the safety of customers and staff
– Alcohol purchases be limited to Friday and Saturday
– All customers should be required to bring identification to stores during purchase
– People with surnames starting with A to M should be allowed to buy alcohol on Mondays and Wednesdays
– People with surnames starting with N to Z should be allowed to buy alcohol on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
These suggestions, according to the LTASA, will help manage the huge influx of people wanting to purchase liquor and will better help establishments handle the demand.
Original Level 3 regulations suggest that liquor stores should only be able to sell from Monday to Wednesday from 8am to 12pm. The LTASA is urging the government to reconsider these trade hours as they may do more damage than good and even lead to violence and looting.
Store trading hours of Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm and Saturday from 9am to 4pm are being suggested instead. LTASA feels these hours will help address the demand while ensuring the highest possible level of safety and help staff not need to travel during the busiest hours of the day.
A limit on the amount of alcohol will also be applied. Currently the recommendation is that each customer may only buy five items.
The decision from government is yet to be heard, with the deadline for South Africa to possibly move to Level 3 approaching by the end of May.
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