#Cheers, June 1! Boksburgers get in line for alcohol way before 9am

People were already queuing when shop owners and managers arrived at these stores at around 7am

June 4, 2020

Tayla Smit 1 minute read

Dozens of Boksburgers braved the morning chill on June 1 and queued outside liquor stores to buy alcohol for the first time since the lockdown started on March 26.

The government lifted its ban on liquor trading under level three of the lockdown. Alcohol may now be sold from Monday to Thursday and can only be consumed at home.

The Advertiser visited liquor stores around the city like Jumbo Liquor Market, TOPS at The Square Centre, Dog Box and Hyper Liquors.

People were already queuing when shop owners and managers arrived at these stores at around 7am. This is despite the government saying that liquor sales will only be permitted from 9am to 5pm. All the shops were quite busy, but the longest queue was in front of Dog Box Hyper, in Trichardts Road.

Adrian and Eddie de Roubaix couldn’t hide their excitement while they were standing in the long queue.

“We’re so happy that liquor stores are now open for business. I can’t wait to get myself an ice-cold beer to enjoy at home. I really missed it a lot during level five and four of the lockdown. We tried to brew our own beer, but it’s just not the same,” Eddie said.

Another customer, Louis Putter, also said that he is pleased about being able to buy liquor again.

Marco Rodriges, owner of Dog Box Hyper, said the government made the right decision to lift the ban.

“I’m delighted to be able to open my shop again after two months. I believe the government made the right decision to lift the ban on the trading of alcohol,” the owner said. The store was a madhouse this morning, but we’ve got everything under control.”

He pointed out that his liquor store is taking the necessary precautionary measures to curb the spread of the virus.

“Our staff members have enough personal protective equipment. No person will be allowed to enter the premises without a mask and each person’s hands must be sanitised. People are also obliged to adhere social distancing protocols,” he added.