LIMPOPO – In a bid to reduce crime during the festive season, the police in Limpopo have suggested that liquor outlets should close their doors at midnight.

Deputy police commissioner, Major General Jan Scheepers, conveyed this recommendation during a recent meeting with liquor stakeholders, emphasising the correlation between alcohol consumption and criminal activities.

“We are suggesting that outlets must close at 00:00 and not at 04:00. Let us be clear, alcohol is a major contributor to crime,” said Scheepers. “There is nothing wrong with people drinking alcohol, but it is what they do when they are drunk,” he added.

Scheepers highlighted that a similar reduction in trading hours last year led to a decrease in crime and saved lives, despite liquor outlets subsequently challenging the regulation in the high court.

He clarified that the goal of the police is not to hinder businesses but to promote responsible drinking and selling practices.

“As law enforcement officers, we do not want to dampen businesses, only enforce responsible drinking and selling,” Scheepers said.

He urged liquor vendors to take responsibility for activities occurring on their premises and to adhere to regulations designed to prevent crime.