Perhaps it shouldn’t be a surprise that despite a Government-instated ban on alcohol and cigarettes, there is a roaring black market and while many legal companies who pay excise and salaries are just about to close their doors, the population is still drinking and smoking away.
This also happened during the initial ban in the course of lockdown. I do think, however, lockdown prevented the extent to which it was possible to trade illegally. I have no statistics, it is a black market after all, but following social media, being in discussions and hearing stories first-hand, I know that with the exception of a some law-abiding citizens, many still get their so-called fixes and they are willing to pay the inflated prices!
Government’s main reason for the ban is the pressure alcohol-related incidents (accidents and violence) place on the medical system. (Read more) These statistics are being questioned and it is important to keep in mind that increases are indicated against a time when everyone was staying at home. Lockdown did prevent most incidents – alcohol related or not. Having said that: alcohol abuse is a serious concern – even when hospital capacity is not in question.
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