Judgment reserved in Vinpro case

JUDGMENT in the Vinpro case against the government’s liquor ban restrictions within the Disaster Management Act (DMA) has been reserved.

Adjourning the case, Western Cape High Court Judge Mokgoatji Dolamo congratulated both sides in the matter for being very well prepared with their arguments and submissions, but added that this had made the job of the judges harder in coming up with a decision.

He was joined on the bench by judges Hayley Slingers and Derek Wille.

Vinpro launched its legal application during the pandemic’s second wave in January this year, claiming that the blanket liquor ban missed its purpose during the third wave.

In her submissions on behalf of the government, Nazreen Bawa SC, argued that every time restrictions were announced Vinpro challenged them and by the time the challenge reached court, it had become an academic exercise.

“The application was brought vexatiously and we submit there is no merit in the case. If ever there was a reason to dismiss such a case brought during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, this is it.

“Whether the January restrictions were necessary does not reflect on whether future restrictions will be necessary.

“The pandemic is a national disaster, and liquor bans must be navigated at national level,” said Bawa.