EASTERN CAPE NEWS - The Eastern Cape Provincial Government met with representatives of the South African alcohol industry on 28 November, to discuss the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the province, particularly in the Sarah Baartman and Nelson Mandela Metro districts.

During the gathering, attended to by Director General of the Province Mbulelo Sogoni, concerns were raised that some alcohol outlets are not complying with Covid-19 or the Liquor Act regulations. 

Heads of the Department of Health, Economic Development, the Eastern Cape Liquor Board and members of the SAPS in the province also attended.

As a response to the concern that these alcohol outlets are contributing to the surge in Covid-19, the alcohol industry in the province has committed to train and deploy 80 community patrollers in eight police stations in the Covid-19 hotspot areas in the province. 

Together with SAPS and Community Policing Forums, these patrollers must ensure compliance at alcohol outlets.

According to a statement by the Liquor Traders Formations, outlets found in violation of the regulations will be reported to the SAPS and the Eastern Cape Liquor Board.

"Ensure that people are wearing masks and that they sanitise when they enter your outlet," urged Lucky Ntimane, convener of Liquor Traders Formations, adding that enforcing these regulations is crucial to protect businesses and livelihoods in the industry.

Eastern Cape Premier Spokesperson, Mvusiwekhaya Sicwetsha, said the government was mobilising all resources available to contain the second wave of infections in the province.

"We appreciate the proactive approach taken by the alcohol industry in responding to the resurgence of Covid-19 cases," said Sicwetsha. "We are engaging with various social partners to drive a coordinated response to the second wave."

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