The Gauteng Liquor Forum which claims to represent about 20,000 micro and small businesses in the province have written to the president, demanding the total ban on alcohol sales for the period of the lockdown be lifted.

The forum had threatened court action if this does not happen.

It says the ban is unreasonable and unconstitutional.

The Presidency has responded and asked the forum to hold off on the court case pending a meeting with the National Command Council and other relevant stakeholders this week in order to discuss government’s economic assistance programme.

The Presidency says it is willing to engage with concrete constructive proposals made by all sectors.

eNCA