Eastern Cape Liquor Board welcomes lifting of ban on alcohol sale

Eastern Cape Liquor Board

The Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) has welcomed the lifting of the ban on alcohol sale and its transportation. It still extended a word of caution to all liquor traders to adhere to Adjusted Level 3 regulations as pronounced by the President of the Republic.

The ECLB noted that decision to ban alcohol was not taken lightly in view of its potential adverse impact on the liquor industry.

“Importantly, the concern that liquor outlets were increasingly becoming massive super spreaders necessitated an immediate action to prevent the rapid spread of the Pandemic.”

The ECLB, therefore, urges liquor traders to strictly adhere to new regulations, which comprise sale of alcohol by licensed premises for off-site consumption from 10h00 to 18h00, from Monday to Thursday excluding Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays and licensed premises for on-site consumption to sell alcohol from 10h00 to 22h00 throughout the week.

“Liquor traders must take responsibility to ensure that their patrons always adhere to the Covid 19 health protocols,” said ECLB Chief Executive Officer, Dr Makala.  

“It is important to realise that Corona Virus is still among us and we must continue to observe and adhere to all the conditions to ensure that liquor establishments do not become super spreaders of the Virus as this might again compel government to take the most undesirable action of banning the sale of alcohol.”

Members of the public are also encouraged to consume alcohol responsibly and ensure that every time they visit liquor outlets, they adhere to all Covid 19 health protocols, which include regular washing of hands, wearing of masks and social distancing.

“Patrons are also urged to refrain from drinking from the same bottle, glass and sharing cigarette as this may inadvertently spread the Covid 19 infections.”

The ECLB also said people are advised to report cases of liquor establishments that fail to comply with trading conditions and Covid 19 regulations to the nearest police station or can report to the ECLB Toll Free Number 080 000 0420 and WhatsApp Number 076 403 6223 and may remain anonymous.

“The ECLB will continue to enforce compliance with the new regulations; and will not hesitate to take necessary action against a liquor outlet that is found to be in breach of trading conditions and Covid 19 health protocols,” it added.

“Liquor traders that have consistently continued to comply with their trading conditions and Covid 19 health protocols are extremely commended.”

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