Discussions are underway in several government departments to consider the possibility of lifting South Africa\u2019s alcohol ban as infection rates ease, News24 reported, without saying how it obtained the information.<\/p>\n
The prohibition, designed in part to ease the burden on hospitals from vehicle accidents and drink-related violence, was implemented nationwide on Dec. 29 as part of a wider set of lockdown measures that included a curfew. The ban is in force until Feb. 15 but may be lifted sooner, according to the website.<\/p>\n
Only the cabinet may change the regulations. It\u2019s due to meet on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
As of Jan. 30, South Africa had reported 5,297 new cases of Covid-19, a sharp decline from the more than 20,000 daily cases earlier in January.<\/p>\n
Anheuser-Busch InBev NV\u2019s South African division two weeks ago canceled an additional R2.5 billion ($165 million) of investment after the government banned alcohol sales for a third time to get a resurgence of coronavirus cases under control.<\/p>\n
The move brought the amount of spending called off by South African Breweries to R5 billion since outbreaks first took hold in the country 10 months ago.<\/p>\n