Alcohol Back in the Market

By: Mfundo Mabaso

President Cyril Ramaphosa says restrictions on the sale of alcohol will be eased.

Ramaphosa announced this during his address to the nation on Monday evening. announcing the easing of adjusted level 3 lockdown regulations.

The sale of alcohol by licensed premises for off-site consumption will be permitted from Mondays to Thursdays, from 10am to 6pm.

“Duty-free shops, registered wineries, wine farms, micro-breweries and micro-distilleries will be able to sell alcohol for off-site consumption during their normal licensed operating hours,” says Ramaphosa.

He adds that the sale of alcohol by licensed premises for on-site consumption – such as restaurants and taverns – will be permitted throughout the week from 10am to 10pm.

These changes have been made possible by the significant reduction in COVID-19 hospital admissions across all provinces, reducing the pressure on beds and hospital personnel.