On the start of National COVID-19 Lockdown on the 27th of March, the SA government moved to banning the sale of any non-essential items, including cigarettes and alcohol.

In the middle of May (even though this column might be published at a later date), alcohol and cigarettes are still considered contraband. 

While this has nothing to do with bridge, it might be something that affects a small portion of the bridge community located in South Africa – at the very least, those who enjoy the occasional drink or cigarette together with their bridge game. 

Have you been affected by the ban? 

Here’s why I’m baffled so far.

1. There’s No Supporting Evidence Linking COVID-19 to Cigarettes or Alcohol

The government has been asked to provide reasons for the ban, but have so far refused to reveal anything – and has even gone as far as to call reasons for the ban “classified” information. 

We know there’s no evidence linking the production, sale or use of cigarettes and alcohol to COVID-19 infections. 

Why was the ban brought in?

2. It’s Not for Hygiene Reasons, Is It? 

One possible reason given for the ban is the concern that people might expose themselves to COVID-19 through “the sharing” of either cigarettes or joints. 

This doesn’t make sense considering the rate at which people share anything else on the shelves, like soda cans. I’ve seen a large amount of people remove their masks in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic to snack while they’re waiting in line – without, of course, realizing that the mask is instantly pointless.

There’s also the simple fact that the ban hasn’t stopped people from doing anything yet.

3. Consumption Hasn’t Stopped Under Lockdown

Next, the government banned the sale of brewer’s yeast.

Apparently it’s not enough to ban alcohol, but people also have to be halted from making it. 

News reports have revealed how well this has gone so far: Badly brewed alcohol has led to more than a few fatalities in the country since the ban started. Anything that can be used to make alcohol, including corn and pineapples, have either gone in short supply or become more expensive. 

Beyond this, alcohol and cigarette consumption hasn’t stopped thanks to the ban.

It’s only become illegal and expensive. 

4. What’s Next? 

One of the first things the ban made me realize is that we’re living in a time where the government has the incredible ability to ban anything they want. 

What if cigarettes and alcohol isn’t the point – but free speech is next, and this was simply an attempt to gauge public reaction in the event of a nationwide ban? 

It might sound like a wild conspiracy theory, but only until they ban something else.

We’re living in a democracy. Let’s make sure we’re not trumped.

5. Profits of the New Age

With the legal sale of cigarettes and alcohol banned, a great deal of the country has moved to acquiring the same items illegally through any means possible.

It’s led to a sharp decrease in the profits of companies who produce and move alcohol and cigarettes, but a sharp increase for the profits of anyone who can provide these items on the current black market. 

South African journalist Jacques Pauw seems to think that there’s more to the ban of cigarettes and alcohol than at first thought – and in a recent column, he alludes to the fact that the profits have been flowing in the wrong direction as a deliberate result.

So, is there more to it? 

Where there’s smoke, there’s probably fire.