The Liquor Trader Association is urging the government to consider taverns as collection points under the relaxed regulations.

The association's president Winston Hector stated that through consultation with the Department of Trade and Industry, the government has stated they do not know whether township taverns are ready to trade safely.

Hector said they are ready to enforce social distancing as well as provide adequate personal protection equipment for traders to serve the communities.

The industry argues that allowing taverns in poorer communities to sell alcohol for home consumption will prevent local residents travelling long distances and help reduce illicit sales.

Hector said a click and collect system would be employed to make sure people would not gather in groups at the taverns and would not be allowed to queue to facilitate social distancing.

eNCA