Overloaded trolleys filled with liquor were a sight to behold as liquor stores reopened on Monday morning under lockdown level three.

Queues had already formed as early as 7.30am at some of the liquor stores between Salt Rock and Ballito.

Come 9am, doors opened and shoppers made their way into outlets after having their temperatures checked and hands sanitised, soon to be seen leaving with trolleys loaded to the brim with their favourite drinks.

Liquor sales may now take place from Mondays to Thursdays between 9am and 5pm.

Store managers said they were pleased with the lifting of the liquor ban.

“To ensure a smooth customer experience at Tops, a section of the car park was cordoned off on Sunday night to erect speed fencing to facilitate a queuing system that will comply with social distancing,” said Lifestyle Centre and Tops at Lifestyle owner, Bruce Rencken ahead of the opening of the local liquor retailer.

Additional security had also been called in.

The return of liquor sales, said iLembe Chamber of Commerce CEO, Cobus Oelofse bodes well for the economy, especially locally.

“The liquor trade returning further gives the sense of trading normality returning.

Liquor trade forms an important part of our retail sector with a great number of jobs dependent on this trade, not only in retail but also in manufacturing, distribution and warehousing – also in our district,” said Oelofse.

He said the liquor trade formed a significant revenue source for the state’s coffers but warned that liquor needed to be consumed responsibly.

“As a district we can however not turn a blind eye to the challenges associated with irresponsible consumption during especially these times.

“Law and by-law infringements, violence and specifically, gender-based violence will be a distraction to enforcement entities and similar organisations alike.”

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