Unable to buy liquor legally for 66 days, South Africans are now able to visit their local bottle stores and quench their thirst.
However, as people rush to the bottle stores to stock up on their favourite beverages, MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube explains there will be certain regulations regarding the re-opening of KwaZulu-Natal liquor sales under level 3 lockdown.
“Today, a total of 8000 liquor licence holders in this province are expected to sell alcohol, only for off-consumption purposes. Our entity, the KZN Liquor Authority has proactively notified licensed premises about Regulations governing the sale of alcohol during COVID-19 Level 3,” Dube-Ncube said.
If any licence holder is found violating any of the provisions contained in the regulations or the sale of liquor in terms of the KZN Liquor Licensing Act, the KZN Liquor Authority will recommend the suspension of the license until the end of lockdown or for three months.
“We are nursing hopes that license holders will adhere to these regulations which are aimed at ensuring the health and safety of customers, workers, liquor traders and the people of this province as a whole,” emphasised Dube-Ncube.
A team of inspectors from KZN Liquor Authority, Department of Employment and Labour and law enforcement agencies will also be making unannounced visits to licensed premises. This is to monitor their compliance with regulations.
What can we expect now that liquor stores are opening?
According to Dube-Ncube, the following regulations are now in place:
- The sale of liquor in licensed premises is only allowed from Mondays to Thursdays. Their operating times will be from 9am until 5pm.
- The consumption of liquor will not be permitted on the premises.
Furthermore, before any liquor may be sold by any license holder, the COVID-19 Health Regulations must adhere to the following regulations:
1. Social Distancing Requirements must be observed, with 1.5metres between customers both inside and outside the premises.
2. All patrons entering the licensed premises must be screened. Those who show a high temperature of 37 and more should not be allowed inside.
3. All persons inside the premises must wear the prescribed masks, covering both their mouth and nose.
4. No customers should be allowed to enter the licensed premises without wearing a mask. They must also have their hands sanitized before entry.
5. Regarding the health and safety of workers, license holders must adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act as outlined by the Department of Employment and Labour.
For further information, liquor traders must contact 031 302 0628 or 081 033 0831.
A team of officials from the department are on standby to investigate complaints regarding violation of Business Regulations.
The contact details are as follows:
- Email: Consumer.Complaints @kznedtea.gov.za
- WhatsApp: 082 458 0706 or 082 374 6660
