Extended Alcohol Prohibition Period Likely to Hamper Growth of Tourism Industry
Ever since the pandemic started nearly an year ago, the tourism industry has been struggling to survive the storm. To control the economic damages incurred by Covid-induced travel bans, governments of various countries all over the world announced alcohol prohibition period as and when the virus spread rates seemed high. While some people were in favour of the move, others spoke strongly against it.
In July 2020, the South African government initiated an alcohol prohibition period to control the virus’ spread. Since alcoholic drinks are considered the primary cause for various health diseases, this was a welcome move for the hospitals who wanted space to accommodate Covid patients. Besides South Africa, Thailand, India and even Kenya introduced multiple restrictions on alcohol sales.
Due to nearly a month long ban, the country having some of the world’s heaviest drinkers witnessed a hard blow to its economy forcing the tourism sector to a breaking point. As per the Liquor Traders’ Association, employment of nearly a million people is dependent on the alcohol industry. The alcohol prohibition period did not just leave these people jobless but also kick started another major problem — illegal black marketing.
Availability of the otherwise banned alcohol and its Illegal trading in the black market encouraged honest people to submit to be a part of the chain. Experts claim that it will take years to reverse the impact of such bans.
Records from countries where alcohol was banned in the past have hinted at people using home brewed liquor to satisfy their cravings, leading to unanticipated deaths. For instance, some Mexican citizens were found drinking black-market moonshine that contained poisonous methanol just when alcohol was banned amid the pandemic. In Sri Lanka, online retailers have recorded an unusual hike in sugar sales as it’s the main ingredient of illegal alcohol.
Meanwhile, political parties in Indonesia are planning to propose a national ban on alcohol production, sales and consumption. As per existing situation of the Indonesian economy, such a ban would negatively impact the country’s tourist arrivals. Several hotel owners and publicans are afraid that despite being major contributors of the economy, the hospitality industry will sink if the proposed law is passed.
Although tourists are not quite elated with the alcohol prohibition period, women from all these countries claimed to feel good about the decision. A temporary ban on alcohol sales has given us a glimpse of what the world would look like without ‘all the social ills’ that begin due to alcohol intoxication!
Based on the current status of the world economy, the co-relation between alcohol industry and the hospitality industry shall not be ignored completely. Although dangerous in extreme levels, sales of alcoholic drinks do play a major role in driving those extra bucks for every country.
