The Western Cape Government is calling on residents to consume alcohol responsibly after President Cyril Ramaphosa moved the country to adjusted lockdown Level 3 on Sunday, July 25. This means the sale of alcohol from retail outlets for offsite consumption will be permitted between 10 am and 6 pm, Monday to Thursday.
However, the Minister for Community Safety, Albert Fritz says even though the outright ban on the purchase and transport of alcohol might have been eased, citizens should still consume alcohol responsibly as the province is experiencing a spike in COVID-19 related cases.
“Please observe and comply with the provisions pertaining to alcohol in the Disaster Management Act. We have seen a spike in cases and we cannot afford our hospital beds to be occupied by patients presenting in trauma units with alcohol-related injuries,” Fritz said.
Fritz adds that the Provincial Police Commissioner has assured extra visible policing will be deployed to monitor compliance and ensure that citizens observe the regulations. The Western Cape’s Liquor Authority and the Compliance and Enforcement Units will also be conducting a number of operations this weekend.
“Please consume alcohol responsibly. Consume alcohol in the safety of your own home; don’t go to parties and other places where there are large numbers of people. And please don’t consume excessive amounts of alcohol,” Fritz reiterated.
Meanwhile, provincial health has issued a stern warning regarding the increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations as the province goes through the third wave of infections.
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