Police Minister Bheki Cele has renewed his rivalry with an old nemesis, taking aim at Level 1 alcohol sales once more on Tuesday. The top cop has delivered a media briefing on Tuesday, where he’s vowed to crack down on two major practices:
Dry Heritage Day: What alcohol sales are still banned at Level 1?
Cele has told the media that no liquor stores can sell alcohol during public holidays. We’ve got Heritage Day coming up on Thursday, but under the minister’s directives, no-one will be able to buy off-site alcohol on 24 September. You can, however, still drink liquor in a pub, restaurant, or hospitality venue on Thursday (and during other public holidays).The ANC veteran has also slammed restaurants for offering takeaway beers, which he stressed, ‘remain illegal’.
“Police will continue to enforce the curfew, which starts from midnight until 04:00. The sale of liquor is permitted from 9:00 to 17:00 during the week. No alcohol can be sold for off-site consumption over the weekend or during public holidays.”
“Alcohol can be sold and consumed at licensed premises only, but not before 9:00 and not after midnight. Equally, alcohol cannot be sold as takeaways, it must be consumed on the premises where it was bought. It’s that simple.”Bheki Cele
Bheki Cele address: What remains illegal at Level 1?
Cele also went over some of the basic principals of the law during Level 1 of lockdown. He confirmed that nightclubs remain closed, and social gatherings must be conducted in a respectful manner:
The public is reminded that while the social gatherings including concerts, live performances are permitted. Nightclubs still have to shut their doors. No more than 100 mourners can attend a funeral. Night vigils are still not permitted. On another note, communities are urged to be considerate when hosting social gatherings in residential areas.
“There are many complaints received of noisy and disruptive behavior at people’s homes.This virus is still very much with us and despite lifting of restrictions, people need to take responsibility for their own lives and that of their loved ones.”
