Face of Nation International : The liquor industry is making its case to keep bottle shops open despite the risk posed by coronavirus.
Julie Ryan from Retail Drinks Australia, which represents all off-premise liquor outlets, said shutting the outlets would affect the whole supply chain of an industry that generated $42 billion for the economy. “It will be devastating for the farmers producing hops and wheat for beer, or grapes for the wine sector, through to those who do the packaging, bottling and logistics, right through to the consumers,” she said.
Across Australia, grapes are being harvested and wine fermented as the industry continues production of another vintage. Wineries and breweries are working on contingency plans if a COVID-19 outbreak occurs in one of their facilities which could force workers to go home.
It’s a nerve-wracking time for everyone, and the liquor industry is hoping things are not made worse by tougher lockdown measures. New Zealand has shut alcohol outlets as part of a four-week lockdown; the United Kingdom started its pub shutout earlier this week but threw the industry a lifeline by exempting off-premise outlets. Ms Ryan said every part of the supply chain in Australia needed to remain open or the economic cost would be high.
‘An essential service in Australia’
Mitch Taylor from Australian Grape and Wine (AGW) said a shutdown that required people to work from home would be disastrous for this vintage, and cellar doors could also be in trouble if wine sales were curtailed.
He argued that alcohol was an essential service in Australia, not just because it provided jobs, but because it was part of the culture.
“It’s a way of life for many Australians [and] in moderation it’s good for your health,” he said.
Ms Ryan said bans in other countries were being modified to allow alcohol sales, partly because it would make it easier for people to self-isolate. “If we want people to stay at home, if we want them in a good state of mental health with a conviviality that encourages them to adhere to social isolation, we’ve got to ensure they have access to the social norms such as enjoying a drink.” (Source: ABC News- Australia)
