Alcohol could soon be purchased from petrol stations. That's if the government continues issuing licenses that allow booze to be sold at petrol stations.

In June, BP and Pick n Pay Express were issued a grocer's licence. This license allows them to sell wine, making it the first licence of its kind in the country.

Director at the South African Medical Council's, Professor Charles Parry, says that this is a terrible idea that would not only send the wrong message but would also have consequences. 

Obviously it's a big business opportunity for BP and Pick n Pay and it would be convenient for drinkers but the concern is that we are a country that does not drink responsibly. Only 31% of adults don't drink, 6 out of 10 drinkers binge drink at least once a month and we are the sixth-highest nation in the world in terms of the amount of pure alcohol we drink, per drinker per day at about five drinks per drinker per day.

Parry adds that some of the huge consequences that this comes with include overcrowded trauma units at hospitals from alcohol-related causes, as observed throughout the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the potential to accelerate the country's road traffic fatality rate, which is already twice the global average.

In addition to this, Parry also criticises the timing as the country is undergoing a third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic adding that, although it may start with the sale of wine, it will only be a matter of time before it opens up to beer and spirits.

He also said that this may put motorists under the impression that there is a link between drinking and driving.

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