Alcohol abuse a serious concern
An increase in alcohol abuse since level 3 was introduced and retailers not complying with Covid-19 regulations raised the association’s concerns.
The Concerned Tshwane Liquor Traders Association will be holding a door-to-door campaign this Friday to check whether wholesalers and liquor license holders adhere to Covid-19 rules and regulations.
“Liquor traders must tell drunk customers to go home and come back the next day to buy alcohol,” said the association’s president Oupa Mthombeni.
An increase in alcohol abuse since level 3 was introduced and retailers not complying with Covid-19 regulations raised the association’s concerns.
“Something need to be done and very quickly to save lives,” Mthombeni said.
The association pleaded with authorities to re-open local taverns because “many people rely on selling alcohol to look after their families”.
Until then, “we promised we would comply with Covid-19 rules and regulations aimed at ensuring that people are safe,” said Mthombeni.
He said government rules such as social distancing, wearing masks, etc. should be adhered to.
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“We have, however, noticed that since liquor could be sold again that there was a lot of alcohol abuse within our communities and that people were panic buying liquor.
Mthombeni said the association would also discuss adherence to Covid-19 rules with wholesalers and licensed liquor traders during their campaign on Friday.
“Most importantly, we must avoid panic buying by locals. Wholesalers must only sell liquor to liquor license holders,” said Mthombeni.
“People are urged to drink responsibly and not be seen on the streets drinking, as they would be arrested. Also, people should use plastic bags to carry the alcohol after purchase.
The association was further planning on meeting with local police stations to discuss areas that don’t comply with lockdown rules.
It was also organising to screen customers entering stores.
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“Please celebrate Youth Day with dignity,” Mthombeni urged the community.
“Remember that drinking in school uniforms is prohibited. People drinking in public is also setting a bad example to children.
Shops can only sell alcohol from Mondays to Thursdays between 09:00 to 17:00.
“Those caught breaking the rules will have their licenses suspended for six months,” he said.
He said liquor traders who could not renew their licences due to the lockdown should not panic.
Liquor traders can still go and pay their licenses without incurring any penalties.
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