After President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a further lockdown last Thursday, liquor store owners are pleading with the government to lift the ban on alcohol sales. They asked for the buying of alcohol to be made possible on take-away bases, pleading that bottle stores be opened from 9:00 am until 18:00 pm weekdays.
Boxer Liquor Store in Nkomo is one of the bottle stores that have suffered from the thirst of the residences. A break-in by unknown suspects took place just a few days after the lockdown.
A resident who asked not to be named said residents could not take it anymore, “they are used to drinking everyday which makes it hard for them to adjust to these new measures.”
Minister of Police, Mr Bheki Cele, advised police to arrest anyone who is either seen buying or selling alcohol during the lockdown. He mentions that alcohol is one of the biggest issues that they are currently battling with during these times.
“People should stop making requests of alcohol ban to be lifted because no alcohol stores will operate,” said Minister Cele.
Other residents, however, believe that the ban should be lifted on very strict conditions.
“The ban of alcohol sales should be lifted so that illegal buying, selling, transportation as well as countless break-ins at liquor stores can be avoided,” added the source.
