South African Government Admits Alcohol and Cigarette Ban Tweet was “Incorrect”

Following a controversial tweet yesterday, in which the South African government announced that the ban on the sale of alcohol and cigarettes would remain in place until the end of Lockdown, the government has clarified that it was “incorrect”.

The SA Government said: “This account posted a tweet earlier (yesterday) which said that the ban on the sale of alcohol and cigarettes would remain in place throughout the lockdown period. This is incorrect. The sale of alcohol and tobacco products is prohibited under the current Level 3 regulations.

“This decision may be reviewed at any time by the relevant structures should the conditions which necessitated it change. We regret any confusion the tweet has caused.”

The shock announcement had caused consternation amongst South Africans and was rejected by the opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, who called it a “disgraceful tweet” and likened it to pulling “the middle finger” to those working in the tobacco and alcohol industry.

The offending tweet has since been removed.