A week into the resumption of alcohol sales, the Botswana Alcohol Industry (BAIA) has noted a violation of Covid-19 protocols amongst liquor traders, serving more imbibers than the set 50 persons during sit-ins.
In a statement released Sunday, BAIA said they are disturbed by the behaviours observed in some videos that have been circulating on various social media platforms which were recorded at some restaurants over the weekend.
“BAIA met with the managers of the two identified establishments in Gaborone to both express its concern and to appeal to them in the strictest of terms, to ensure the incidents are not repeated,” the association said in the statement.
One of the restaurants, Capello, has since come out to admit their non-compliance following BAIA’s statement. The establishment published a notice on social media stating that management is aware of what happened over the weekend at their restaurant at Central Business District (CBD).
“The company apologises unreservedly for allowing non-compliance of the Covid-19 protocols and the conditions of our license,” Cappello wrote.
BAIA mentioned that both establishments have accepted full responsibility for their part and understand that the depicted behaviours have potentially put people’s lives at risk and may have brought the industry into disrepute.
The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry’s Revised Liquor Operating Hours allowing restaurants to trade on Monday until Sunday from 10.00 to 18.00 hours. Restaurants have been given the green light to operate at half capacity, with a maximum of 50 people, excluding staff, at any given time.
BAIA stated that the two establishments have undertaken to immediately put measures in place to ensure that both their staff and patrons observe the laid out Covid-19 protocols.
The association has called for all liquor outlets owners and managers countrywide to comply with all Covid-19 protocols and for consumers to drink responsibly.
Alcohol is currently sold for on-site consumption only in restaurants, including those in the hotel industry whereas all other outlets licensed under the Liquor Act, liquor will be sold on take away basis.
Businesses that do not comply with the regulations shall be subjected to Covid-19 penalties.
