Bars, shebeens must close by 6pm under new rules

THE Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has outlined actions limiting the sale of and the dispensation of liquor to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

The new measures, part of the Disaster Management Act, will act a means try to contain the spread of the pandemic.

This was announced after the declaration of a national state of disaster by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday.

Zuma said government must, for the duration of the declared national state of disaster, within its available resources play an important role in the fight against the virus.

Read also: UPDATE: South Africa now has 116 confirmed COVID-19 cases

According to the act, all establishments, which includes shebeens, bars and restaurants that sell liquor must close at 6pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and at 1pm on Sundays and public holidays.

The establishments can only reopen at 9am the next morning.

All registered or licensed on-consumption liquor premises which can accommodate, including taverns, restaurants and clubs, must be closed with immediate effect, or must be limited to accommodate no more than 50 persons at any time. Provided that adequate space is available and that all directions in respect of hygienic conditions and limitation of exposure of persons with the COVID-19 virus are adhered to.

The act further states that no special or events liquor licenses will be considered for approval during the duration of the national state of disaster.

To view the Disaster Management Act and other changes, click here:

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