FOR YOUR INFORMATION
We would like to share the following items which describe the impact that the coronavirus pandemic is having on the industry. Please contact the FIVS Secretariat with items that may be of interest.
Global: Passengers are bringing wone alcohol on flights – The CEO of American Airlines reportedly acknowledged that more customers are bringing alcohol beverages onto flights due to the airline’s decision not to serve alcohol to passengers flying coach. During the pandemic, American Airlines began assigning a single agent – responsible for assisting customers with seat changes, upgrades, standbys, and boarding, while also evaluating whether boarding customers have been drinking excessively or are carrying alcohol onto the flight – to flights that are less than 80% full. U.S. Federal regulations prohibit passengers from bringing their own alcohol on board for consumption.
Ireland: Outdoor alcohol service might resume by week’s end – Ireland’s Cabinet has reportedly approved new legislation around outdoor drinking which will remain in effect until 30 November 2021. After concern was raised that existing laws had made the consumption of alcohol in many public spaces illegal, legislation introduced to offer clarity may be brought to the Irish legislative body, the Dáil, on 30 June and fully passed into law by the end of the week. The bill will reportedly allow for the sale and consumption of alcohol in seated outdoor areas only, including those areas authorised by local authorities or that are privately owned adjacent to licensed premises. The legislation will also extend existing enforcement powers available to state police to ensure that licensed premises are operating in line with Covid-19 regulations.
South Africa: Government bans sale and consumption of alcohol for 14 days – The South African Cabinet has moved to tighten COVID-19 restrictions further to Level 4 for 14 days as the country faces rising numbers of Covid-19 infections dominated by the more transmissible Delta variant. The government will prohibit the sale of alcohol beverages both for on-site and off-site consumption. A curfew will be in place from 9 pm until 4 am and all non-essential establishments must close by 8 pm.
- South African industry appeals to government to allow alcohol sales – A joint statement by FIVS member South African Liquor Brandowners Association (SALBA) and others noted that the alcohol beverage industry shares the South African government’s concerns about the sharp rise in COVID-19 infections, supports the prohibition of all gatherings, and encourages players within their industry to implement working-from-home measures as much as possible. However, they also called for the government to allow off-site consumption sales for home consumption to continue from Monday through Thursday from 10 am until 6 pm; for taverns to be permitted to sell alcohol beverages for off-site consumption; and for restaurants to be permitted to serve alcohol beverages subject to the curfew. The industry also called on the government to allow wineries, micro-breweries, and micro-distilleries to operate at current Level 3 restrictions.
Switzerland: Nightclub owners given only 3 days’ notice of reopening – Switzerland’s Federal Council announced that nightclubs, discos, and dance halls, which have been closed for several months due to the pandemic, may reopen on 26 June 2021. Venue owners reportedly were caught by surprise, expecting that they would meet in advance with the Federal Council before venues would be reopened. The government completely removed the mask requirement and the upper capacity limits for venues, provided that all visitors have Covid certificates obtained through vaccination, by having already overcome Covid disease, or via a negative test result. Because many younger people have not yet been vaccinated, some clubs may operate test centers in front of their venues to be able to show that guests are COVID-free.
United States: More Americans are seeking alcohol-free vacations – As more Americans begin to vacation again, interest in alcohol-free vacations is reportedly increasing. A poll of more than 23,000 individuals reportedly found that 29% of respondents planned to take an alcohol-free trip, and an analysis of social media chatter found mention of the term “sober vacation” jumping more than 100% over Memorial Day weekend. Alcohol-free travel organised by some companies has been nearly sold out for 2022, and a wellness retreat in North Carolina found a 50% increase in visitors seeking a “sober vacation.”
- United States – New York City restaurants call for extension of alcohol to-go – Although New York City’s outdoor dining structures constructed during the pandemic may be here to stay, cocktails-to-go stopped abruptly when New York State ended the state of emergency on 23 June 2021. Although the New York legislature failed to codify the ability of restaurants to continue offering alcohol to-go, the mayor of New York City supports extending the practice, as do 70% of New Yorkers, according to a recent survey by the New York State Restaurant Association. The Association has called for an extension of the service for one to two years to support recovery of the restaurant industry from the pandemic.
Uruguay: Larger gatherings to be allowed – As of 05 July 2021, the government of Uruguay will reportedly allow for the gradual opening of shows, cinemas, parties, and social events in Uruguay, subject to certain approved protocols and capacity limits. Those participating in amateur sports will be required to follow special protocols established by the Ministry of Public Health.
NOTE: We make no warranty of any kind regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information in these FIVS Alerts; nor do we necessarily support or agree with views expressed or contained therein.