19 Jan 2021

Failure to comply to COVID-19 protocols has led to the closure of the alcohol industry, says acting deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry.

Speaking in an interview, Mr Gideon Mmolawa said it was of paramount importance that customers should change their behaviour and  be complaint to set protocols.

Mr Mmolawa said the ministry acknowledged the high level of compliance displayed by companies trading in alcohol, but that consumers were still far behind when it came to being compliant.

Mr Mmolawa said behavioural change in customers was needed, and that corrective measures should be taken to deter irresponsible consumption of alcohol.

He said the ministry was concerned about the closure of the industry and understood the predicaments that came with the closure. He, however, explained that the health of the citizens came first.

Mr Mmolawa praised the ministry’s collaboration with Botswana Alcohol Industry Association (BAIA), saying it was essential in developing strategies of opening the industry without jeopardising the health of customers and citizens. 

Meanwhile, acting chairperson of BAIA, Mr Masegonyana Madisa said while the majority of traders and consumers had been compliant to COVID-19 protocols, the association had noted incidents of non-compliance by some.

He said the association advocated for punitive measures to be taken against offenders, and that government should deal decisively with non-compliant outlets. He added that they were against the closure of the whole alcohol industry, including its value chains.

Mr Madisa said the frequent trade stoppages had created uncertainty for approximately 50  000 people who were directly and indirectly employed by the alcohol industry. 

He added that about 200 000 Batswana depended on the industry for their livelihoods.

Mr Madisa said BAIA would appeal to government to consider resuming alcohol trade under conditions that would ensure the curbing of the spread of the virus.

Mr Madisa also emphasised that BAIA continued to encourage the public to use the tip-off application to support law enforcement.

He also urged licensing authorities in various jurisdictions to withdraw or suspend licenses  of those non-compliant as provided for in both the liquor and trade acts.

“The association condemns those consumers partaking in chill sessions in contravention of the COVID-19 protocols, and commends consumers who continue to heed the message of #dinweledladleng by drinking responsibly at home,” said Mr Madisa

He argued that since the outbreak of the disease, the alcohol industry complemented government efforts in curbing the spread of the disease.

He said they gave sanitizers and masks to retailers as a way to encourage both compliance and awareness. Ends