Panic-buying set in on Monday this week as a hoax message claiming that government had back-tracked on its decision to open liquor stores was shared widely.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) spokesperson Mlungisi Mtshali confirmed on Monday that government would not reinstate the alcohol ban.

North Coast liquor store managers said they had seen a large increase in alcohol sales on Monday, with some agreeing that it was “like Christmas” and, others saying that they had sold more liquor than they had the day prior to lockdown first starting.

Ballito Lifestyle Tops manager, Avi Nundkisun said the increase in sales had been visibly noticeable, with people panic-buying in the fear of not being able to buy liquor again any time soon.

Ballito Liquor City store manager, Kreesan Pillay said he too had noticed a lot more people buying wine on Monday as the hoax message spread.

The National Coronavirus Command Centre has not received any motions to reinstate the ban on liquor sales and the presidency also confirmed that no such call had been made.

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