South Africans are proud of their reputation for improvisation and the ability to "make a plan", but the unregulated production of alcohol can be lethal. South Africa has long had a thriving informal market for often dangerous bootleg alcohol. But prohibition also entices more organised, criminal elements who profit as illicit alcohol becomes the only option for consumers. SARS commissioner Ed Kieswetter said last week that the lockdown ban had already cost the Treasury more than R1.3 billion in alcohol excise duties alone. Supporters of the alcohol ban are keen to stress that trauma-related admissions to South Africa’s hospitals have fallen during lockdown.

Source: News 24 May 15, 2020 08:26 UTC