Liquor businesses flourish in level 3

Last Monday the community of Tzaneen joined the rest of the country in buying alcohol for the first time in over two months.

Liquor outlets had long queues of thirsty, yet excited customers who could not wait to get their hands on alcohol.

According to the regulations South Africans are allowed to buy alcohol on Mondays to Fridays between 09:00 and 17:00 at registered outlets and only for personal consumption.

While queuing outside of Checkers Liquor, Katlego Mashaba told Herald that she was relieved that at long last she could have a glass of wine.

“It has been along time, I have even forgot how it tastes like,” she said jokingly.

“The lockdown has been stressful, a few drinks will help to soothe it away,” she said.

Another excited buyer was Nicholas Seoke. He said life is better with something alcoholic to drink.

Also read: ‘Forever young’

“I become grumpy and very moody without something to drink. So I’m happy that I will finally get something to drink,” he explained.

Seoko appealed to fellow drinkers to drink responsible.

“Government will again ban the sale of alcohol and that will not be fair to those of us who are disciplined drinkers,” he added.

Meanwhile, most outlets in the region, including taverns, were out of stock awaiting deliveries from wholesalers.

Tavern owner, Jones van Rooyen said they have been very busy with customers queuing to buy beer in bulk.

“An hour before closing at 17:00 we were only left with one case of beer to sell,” said the owner of Jones Tavern.

They were however hopeful to receive stock shortly.

Van Rooyen also told Herald that the lockdown has hit his business hard and he and other business are still reeling from the affects from the strict regulations they had to adhere to.