OnTap Magazine

Towards the endof October, the Beer Association of SouthAfrica (BASA) launched an online petition to gauge public interest in expanding buying options for craft beer. The response was immediate and overwhelming. In fact, it was so overwhelming that, after sending out the initial email to beer lovers, the webpage handling the petition simply couldn't handle all the traffic. Beer lovers crashed the website. Luckily, it was fixed quickly, and the signatures kept rolling in. In just over three weeks 22 000 people signed the petition. Clearly, South Africans feel a lingering piece of legislation that restricts a significant aspect of their consumer choice should be reconsidered. Legislation on provincial and national levels does not allow for the sale of beer in grocery stores. Currently, of course, there are licences available allowing the sale of wine in grocery stores. The signers of the petition supported a freedom of choice that aligns with international norms. In many other countries you can pick up your favourite brew at the supermarket. On the various social media platforms on which the Beers on Shelves SA campaign was launched, people often comment on how proud they are of the quality of local beers. Beer is also a low-alcohol option for drinkers. Many felt that it makes sense to have a low alcohol-by-volume option on the shelves as well. And besides, it is also the drink of choice for most South Africans, after all. "We want to support all our local craft brewers. If their products are more widely available, it will be good for them and good for the economy, creating more opportunities in our country's beer economy. South Africa also has approximately 200 craft breweries. Shelf space is especially important to their world-class beers," said Patricia Pillay, CEO of BASA. The beer industry is more than a collection of brands. It is a significant economic contributor. By expanding beer's availability, BASA believes new economic avenues can be opened,  job creation can be enhanced, and local business opportunities created. "BASA is always on the lookout for ways we can grow the beer industry in a responsible manner," she continued. "We are committed to continuing working with government and traders to promote safe drinking where all beers are sold. The responsible enjoyment of our great local beers can support craft brewers, many of whom are still recovering from the terrible setbacks of the Covid alcohol bans." SHOULD CRAFT BEER BE SOLD IN GROCERY STORES? "YES!" REPLIES SOUTH AFRICANS 10 | Summer 2023 | ontapmag.co.za