The amount of alcohol confiscated over the festive season has increased by “quite a stretch” since 2019, with City of Cape Town law enforcement confiscating thousands of litres in recent months.
Also read: Public abuse of alcohol top priority for festive season law enforcement
This is according to Mayco Member for Safety and Security JP Smith, who said that over 14,000 bottles, amounting to more than 7,000 litres of alcohol, were confiscated between 18 October and 18 December 2022.
“Sadly, these statistics trump the 2019 figures by quite a stretch – back then we were on just over 4 000 litres, and half the number of bottles confiscated thus far this year,” Smith said.
“We remind the public yet again that alcohol is prohibited in public open spaces, including all of the City’s beaches.”
“Anyone caught flouting the rules will be fined and their alcohol will be confiscated.”
“Alcohol confiscations are a big talking point each year, and while many make light of it, it is actually an indictment on our society and its dysfunctional relationship with alcohol.”
Speaking to IOL, Heide Goodman of the Muizenberg Lakeside Residents Association said that law enforcement had been “overwhelmed” over the past few days on beaches.
“On New Year’s Day it was not so bad, probably due to liquor stores not having extended hours permits.”
“But (yesterday), it was bad again. It was chaotic from early morning. Long queues and bottles being opened as they leave the store,” she said.
Meanwhile, KC Gericke of the AfriForum Strand Patrol told IOL they had a “hectic couple of days” following the temporary closure of a section of Strand Beach along the False Bay coastline, as well as Small Bay in Blaauwberg.
“The temporary closures are due to sewage spills in the respective areas – the causes of which are under investigation. In the meantime, the public is advised to avoid contact with the water in the affected areas until further notice,” the City said.
“This is a precaution as contact with the water could result in potential gastro-intestinal issues and therefore any person who enters the water does so at their own risk.”
Also read:
Authorities enforce “zero tolerance” policy for alcohol on Garden Route beaches
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