In April 2020, South Africa issued a nationwide ban on alcohol sales during the lockdown period the announcement was made by government’s National Command Council (NCC).
Despite public criticism and even threats of legal action, government reaffirmed its position on the alcohol ban currently in place to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
In level 3 of its lockdown there’s a stern warning for the drinkers of South Africa, as we approach a weekend where our alcohol reserves will be suitably replenished. You’re going to have to get your plans fixed within the next 24 hours though, because SAPS have revealed they will come down hard on those ‘transporting liquor’ after Thursday.
SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo explained law enforcement’s position on Wednesday. He revealed that people caught with booze upon their person while in transit this weekend will be breaking the law, and could be held liable for contravening the National Disaster Act –
WHEN IS IT ILLEGAL TO CARRY ALCOHOL IN SOUTH AFRICA?
Naidoo has laid down some pretty severe ground rules. We’re only allowed to move liquor between locations during four days of the week, and serving police officers – including those at roadblocks – will be on the lookout for those trying to flout these over-zealous restrictions. According to the top cop…
- You absolutely cannot ‘transport alcohol’ – as in, take it from one place to another – on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
- Citizens will also break the law if they are caught moving with booze after 17:00 on Thursday, or before 9:00 on a Monday.
- Therefore, the only time South Africans can legally take liquor from one place to another is from 9:00 on Monday, to 17:00 on Thursday.
- There is also a ban on alcohol sales and transport during any public holiday which occurs during Level 3.
- The only people allowed to move alcohol outside of the prescribed hours will be licensed traders.
LEVEL 3 LAWS STILL REMAIN HECTIC
Naidoo has also warned the beer-loving public that ‘no excuses‘ can talk them out of a brush with the law:
“Any other time beyond those hours specified will be a contravention of the regulations. People must be warned. No one is allowed to transport alcohol, except those that are actually licensed dealers. There will be no excuse for people carrying alcohol during those prohibited times.”
Vish Naidoo
thesouthafrican