A ban on alcohol has been announced by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday, June 27, as he moved the country to an adjusted alert level 4.
Cape Town – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has moved the country to adjusted alert level 4, which includes a total ban on the sale of alcohol and a curfew that starts at 21:00 and ends at 04:00.
In an address to the nation on Sunday, Ramaphosa said the move to ban the sale of alcohol was aimed at preventing much-needed hospital beds from being filled up by people with alcohol-related injuries.
“Based on scientific advice we received from the MAC and further consultation with our provinces and metros and traditional leaders, and on the recommendation of the NCCC, Cabinet has decided that the country should move to Adjusted Alert Level 4.
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“Cabinet decided that to ensure that our response is appropriate and proportionate to the current situation, the additional restrictions we are announcing this evening will be in place for the next 14 days.
“A curfew will be in place from 9pm to 4am, and all non-essential establishments will need to close by 8pm.
“The sale of alcohol both on-site and off-site consumption is prohibited,” Ramaphosa said.
He said restaurants and other eateries will only be permitted to sell food for take-away or delivery.
“This is because it is not possible for patrons to wear masks while eating or drinking in these establishments,” Ramaphosa said.
Here is what alert level 4 in a nutshell entails:
- All gatherings – political, social, or cultural – are prohibited;
- Funerals and cremations will continue, but can’t exceed 50 people in numbers;
- After-funeral gatherings prohibited;
- Public spaces like parks will remain open, but no gatherings are permitted at such places;
- A curfew will be in place from 9pm to 4am. All establishments must be closed by 9pm;
- All alcohol sales have been prohibited;
- Restaurants can only sell food for takeout or deliveries;
- Schools and other education institutions closing for winter will be brought forward. Schools will begin to close on Wednesday, and all schools must be closed by Friday; and
- Contact classes in tertiary institutions will be closed this week and access to the buildings will be closed. Residences, however, will remain open.
PICTURE: Pexels
By Betha Madhomu
