Covid-19 health regulations liquor stores should follow

The MEC for economic development, tourism and environmental affairs in KwaZulu-Natal, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has warned shoppers and liquor licence holders to abide by regulations.

On 1 June, a total of 8,000 liquor licence holders in the province were expected to sell alcohol, only for off-consumption purposes.

She said: “Critically, I wish to announce that where any licence holder is found to have violated any of the provisions contained in the regulations or the sale of liquor in terms of the KZN Liquor Licensing Act, the KwaZulu-Natal liquor authority will recommend the suspension of the licence until the end of lockdown or for three months.

“We are nursing hopes that licence holders will adhere to these regulations which are aimed at ensuring the health and safety of customers, workers, liquor traders and the people of this province as a whole.”

She said that while they acknowledge the fact that many other sectors of the economy such as tourism, hospitality and entertainment rely heavily on the liquor industry, its potential negative impact during this period requires a collaborative approach.

Dube-Ncube added that a team of inspectors from the department, KwaZulu-Natal Liquor Authority, department of employment and labour and law enforcement agencies will make unannounced visits to all licenced premises across the province to monitor compliance with regulations.

Regulations for the sale of alcohol are as follows:

• The sale of liquor in licenced premises is only allowed on Mondays to Thursdays between 9am and 5pm
• Strictly no consumption of liquor is permitted on the premises
• Before any liquor may be sold by any licence holder, Covid-19 Health Regulations must be strictly adhered to.

The Covid-19 Health Regulations are as follows:

1. Social distancing requirements must be observed as allowed by the floor space of the licence outlet to observe the distance of 1.5 meters between customers both inside and outside the licenced premises.

2. All patrons entering the licenced premises must be screened and those who show the high temperature of 37 and more should not be allowed inside.

3. All persons inside the premises must wear the prescribed masks, covering mouth and the nose.

4. No customers should be allowed to enter the licenced premises without wearing a mask and must have his/her hands sanitised at the liquor premises, before entry.

5. Regarding the health and safety of workers, licence holders must adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act as outlined by the Department of Employment and Labour.

A team of experienced officials from the department are on standby to investigate complaints regarding violation of business regulations.

Originally appeared on Rosebank Killarney Gazette