One of our local liquor stores shared how they have readied themselves for opening on 1 June. Co-owner of Dry Dock Liquor Merchants in Parkhurst, Martin Pienaar say they are opening on the day but will not accept walk-in trade.

“The reason is, we have received hundreds of online orders, some as long as a month ago. We feel we need to get these orders ready for collection/delivery first and so we are urging our customers to place orders with us online now. The added benefit of this is that we can ensure that we have adequate stock of what they need, as we expect people will not only be restocking their depleted collections but will create reserves in case we go back to level 4 or 5,” said Pienaar.

He added that customers who ordered online or via WhatsApp will get an order number. As soon as the order is ready, the store will send the client a message and they can collect, or staff will deliver. The store has set up a drive-through facility which will go live on Monday morning. Customers will park, quote an order number, and the order will be delivered to the boot of their car.

“We have sufficient personal protective equipment for all of our staff. They will be wearing masks and surgical gloves. We have strict protocols around washing and sanitizing hands and card machines. We will limit the number of customers in the store at any time to abide by social distancing regulations,” Pienaar said.

He added that they have put stickers onto the floor at the tills and on the pavement outside the store to indicate to customers where to stand and to encourage separation. Customers will be asked to sanitize hands prior to entering the store and contact details of all customers will be kept for track and trace purposes.

Pienaar said prices have come down in many cases, some by as much as 30per cent. He added that they are working very hard along with suppliers to get the best prices and the fastest possible delivery.

Pienaar said, “We realize that the regulations for level 3 have yet to be promulgated, so we are planning as best we can and will make adjustments when we know the details.

One way or another, our team will be ready to trade on 1 June as the restrictions are lifted.”

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