EASTERN CAPE LIQUOR BOARD ENCOURAGES LIQUOR TRADERS TO AVOID FUTURE ALCOHOL BANS BY ADHERING TO COVID 19 HEALTH PROTOCOLS

The Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) urges liquor traders to enforce Covid 19 health protocols consistently and stringently on their liquor outlets to prevent the rapid spread of Covid 19 that has heretofore prompted frequent suspensions of alcohol sale.

Previously liquor outlets have been accused of being super spreaders of the Covid 19 cases due to glaring non-adherence to Covid 19 health protocols. As a result, the sale of alcohol was suspended on numerous occasions, and invariably suspensions have had a long-term economic effect on the business viability of the liquor industry.

In addition, frequent alcohol bans have resulted in the total closure of some liquor outlets and massive job losses. Undeniably, previous frequent alcohol bans have overwhelmingly impacted livelihood of many people within the liquor industry space.

Against the backdrop of the current growing cases of Covid 19 in the Eastern Cape, liquor traders are encouraged to ensure that their outlets strictly enforce health protocols that include social distancing, sanitising, and wearing of masks by patrons.

They are also urged to rigorously observe trading times as prescribed in the National Disaster Management Regulations to avoid flagrant violation of the Covid 19 regulations. Liquor traders must encourage their patrons to go for vaccination to protect themselves against the impact of the Corona Virus infection.

Vaccinated patrons will ensure that liquor outlets reduce potential cases of being Covid 19 super spreaders. They must introduce strict compliance measures to prevent any possible future suspensions of alcohol sale.

It is also important to stress that members of the community can report cases of non-compliance by liquor outlets to the nearest police station or to the ECLB Toll-Free Complaints Line 080 000 0420 or can send a message to WhatsApp number 076 403 6223.

For any enquiries, you can contact ECLB Spokesperson Mgwebi Msiya at 060 501 6418 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Issued by: THE EASTERN CAPE LIQUOR BOARD