PM’S STERN WARNING TO LIQUOR OUTLETS, IMBIBERS

MBABANE - Be warned! Prime Minister, Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini, has given a stern warning to establishments and individuals who are violating the COVID-19 and alcohol regulations.

The PM was emphatic to state that government would not hesitate to impose a ban or take those responsible to task.

Dlamini gave out the warning yesterday at Cabinet during a press conference.

He said this while stating that government had noted a disturbing trend following the lifting of the ban on the sale of alcohol, where some emaSwati had visibly reverted to alcohol consumption patterns that were in violation of the COVID-19 regulations.

Dlamini’s strong words of advice closely follow the ‘MegaSound Picnic lockdown edition that was hosted at Sibebe Resort last Saturday where people came in large numbers, resulting in no social distancing while many were not wearing masks.

All this was in violation of COVID-19 regulations. Also, some of the revellers were imbibing alcohol during the event.

Regulations 

Worth noting is that alcohol regulations in the country clearly stipulate that alcohol is sold to be consumed at home or served with food in restaurants only. Drinking in bars or in public is still prohibited. 

Regulations in hosting concerts clearly state that there should not be more than 100 people who should observe social distancing, wear masks and the event should not be more than two hours.

The PM said health evidence indicates that alcohol consumption was a serious driver of the spread of COVID-19. 

“I take this opportunity to caution outlets selling liquor to strictly adhere to the stipulated regulations that were presented by government to control reckless consumption of alcohol. The regulations prohibit consumption of alcohol in crowded areas, bars or any gathering but only allows it for home consumption and in hotels where food is served,” he said.

He also said it was unfortunate that government had noted with serious concern the behaviour of a few individuals across multiple sectors who, over the past weeks, have continued to show complete disregard of COVID-19 regulations. 

Observe 

“While many emaSwati continue to observe these regulations, we have noted various breaches happening in the transport sector, in sport, in gatherings and in entertainment activities. Some citizens still refuse to wear face masks when in public or using public transport.

“Others still continue to engage in banned sporting activity including informal football, while others do not adhere to the laid down protocols governing the hosting of gatherings, particularly entertainment activities. These reckless actions go against the clear and straightforward protocols that government and the various sectors agreed upon in this ongoing phased re-opening of the economy,” said Dlamini. 

Protocols 

He said government was reminding all citizens, business owners, public transport operators, religious establishments, leisure sites, arts stakeholders and sporting associations that they were still within this COVID-19 battle and such deliberate disregard of the laid down protocols put the entire country at risk of instigating a spike in infections.  “It is for this reason that government is taking a stern disciplinary action against certain establishments for non-compliance to the COVID-19 regulations. The relevant ministries will soon make the announcement. Government will not allow reckless entities or individuals to reverse these immense national gains we have made over a very trying period in our history as a nation,” he said.

He also said they would not hesitate to ban and bring to the law any individual or entity that failed to follow the laid down regulations, as a result, putting the entire country at risk. 

Surveillance 

Government is working together with law enforcement agencies and they will upscale surveillance across the country to ensure that COVID-19 regulations are adhered to and that those who breached them are brought to book. 

“We will continue to monitor many other public establishments to ensure compliance,” he said.

Dlamini said currently, they were on a positive path of bringing the virus (COVID-19) under control in the country and this was proven by having only 159 active cases as of yesterday.

Swaziland National Liquor Association (SNLA) Secretary General Thamsanqa Hlatshwayo pleaded with imbibers and establishments that host events to comply with COVID-19 regulations. “Government has all the right reasons to react the way it is reacting. People should be responsible because if they continue being reckless, the ban might be reinstated. This would affect not only the business owners but the employees as well,” said Hlatshwayo.

He said he did not wish for the whole liquor industry to face the music because of a few individuals.

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