The government of Slovenia has supplemented a decree on the temporary ban on the offer and sale of goods and services directly to consumers with an amendment. As per the amendment personal collection of goods or food from collection points is still permitted, but without alcohol and alcoholic beverages.

In a move to limit the movement of the population and contain and control the COVID-19 epidemic the government of Slovenia amended the decree that temporarily bans the offer and sale of goods and services directly to consumers. The amendment comes into force on December 7, 2020.

According to the amendment alcohol and alcoholic beverages are not allowed for personal collection from collection points. This move would lower alcohol availability across the country as direct selling is also banned.

Limiting alcohol availability is recommended by the World Health Organization during COVID-19 lockdowns. Alcohol – which is generally consumed in social settings – undermines COVID-19 preventive measures such as physical distancing and protective mask use. In addition, reasons for reducing alcohol availability during the pandemic include:

  1. Alcohol weakens the immune system making people more susceptible to infections such as coronavirus.
  2. Alcohol is a risk factor for many non-communicable diseases (NCDs) which are known to lead to more severe progression of coronavirus infection and increase risk of death from COVID-19.
  3. Alcohol-related diseases, injuries and accidents place avoidable strain on the healthcare system and emergency services which are at capacity due to the pandemic.
WHO: Restrict Alcohol Access During COVID-19 Lockdown

Sources

Z24.si: “The government amended the ordinance on the supply of alcohol“

Sahifa: “The government changed the regulation on the supply of alcoholic beverages“