Businesses welcome easing of lockdown restrictions

The Eastern Cape business community has given a resounding thumbs-up to government's decision to lift the ban on alcohol and tobacco sales but warned consumers to be responsible as Covid-19 remains a threat. 

 President Cyril Ramaphosa moved the country to alert level 2 of the lockdown during a televised address on Saturday.  

Ramaphosa had been in consultation with various stakeholders  after he received advice from health experts that SA has been successful in arresting the spread of Covid-19.

He said the government was now confident that the easing of restrictions would no longer undermine the health infrastructure.

Lifting the bans means patrons will be permitted on-site consumption of alcohol in licensed establishments up to 10pm, and liquor outlets will be allowed to sell alcohol for off-site consumption from Monday to Thursday between 9am and 5pm only.

The 10pm to 4am curfew is still in place.

The newly elected president of the Border-Kei Chamber of Business, Dr Chris Ettmayr, welcomed the announcement but emphasised the importance of businesses adhering to the government's operational guidelines.

“We have been waiting a long time and the sooner we return to some sort of normality the better — not only for businesses but the economy as a whole. The ability to collect tax has been affected as well,” Ettmayr said.  

“This comes with a big responsibility because the last time alcohol sales were opened there was an increase in road accidents. Hence we urge people to take this seriously and make sure that the consumption of tobacco and alcohol is done in a responsible manner.”

Ettmayr said many businesses in the Border-Kei region had been affected by the bans and now was the time to rebuild.

“It's great that they can reopen. That will save many jobs. It is important to protect every job.”

Luthando Bara, president of Black Business Forum, also welcomed the lifting of the bans but urged that Covid-19 relief funds  be directed to struggling business, as Ramaphosa had promised when he initiated the lockdown.

“We are aware that the province is recovering and now the government must heighten focus on ensuring the roll-out of stimulus funds. We need a dialogue with business and civil society on how we recalibrate the economy and spur job creation,” Bara said.

Bara added that the easing of lockdown regulations meant business could “reboot”.

He called for authorities to take a hard stance on criminality during this time.

“We should focus on an enabling environment for both the informal and formal economy. The big conundrum now is the black market that was benefiting from  tobacco and liquor. Law enforcement must play its role and uproot these people.”

Eastern Cape Liquor Traders Association spokesperson Tinumzi Lubelwana also applauded Ramaphosa's decision.

“We need to adhere to strict guidelines to prevent infection by using protective clothing when we operate — masks, PPEs, sanitisers and distancing.   We are ready to work with the trade and industry department in moving forward,” Lubelwana said.

“The Covid-19 pandemic is not over yet so we need to ensure we work together to avoid more infections.” Additional reporting by TimesLIVE