Abstract
ABSTRACT Background In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, South Africa implemented a national lockdown including a ban on the sale of alcohol. This paper describes adults’ perspectives on this alcohol ban, focusing on whether they support or oppose this regulation. Methods As part of a longitudinal study that documents South African’s experiences of the COVID-19 lockdown, qualitative data were collected from 49 adults and analyzed thematically. Results Perspectives are framed around the overarching theme of “lives versus livelihoods,” presented as support and/or opposition to the ban. Participants who endorsed the ban, as preserving “lives,” thought that it facilitated social distancing and therefore limited the spread of COVID-19. Those who opposed the ban suggested that it undermined the “livelihoods” of South Africans, in the context of an already-strained economy. Conclusion Our findings show that decisions around whether to support or oppose the alcohol ban were informed by critical reflections on the wider socio-behavioral and health implications of such regulations. Further implications are discussed.
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