Gen Bheki Cele said in his speech that where liquor outlets, restaurants, hotels and other hospitality facilities are concerned, no more than50 people will be permitted at a time. This is inclusive of the staff on the premises.
Regarding restaurants with liquor licences, they can only sell alcohol from 09:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and Saturdays. Liquor cannot be sold after 18:00, but the restaurant may continue to sell food. On Sundays and public holidays, the sale of alcohol stops at 13:00.
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On Saturday, while driving around the central business district to see whether shebeens and liquor stores were adhering to the rules put in place, most outlets were closed. However, one was found opposite the Nelspruit Plaza near the police station to be operating. Patrons were seen rushing to the outlet. There was a “salesman” in front of the roller door that was partially closed, controlled by another man on the right-hand side.
“Do you want to buy? I charge R10 commission to get you whatever you want. Wait here while I go inside for you,” he said to one man who seemed impatient.
He was given a R200 note for a 12-pack beer. He bent down under the roller door and crawled to the counter inside.
After about 10 minutes, he came out with the beers and handed them over. There was no visibility of law enforcement, even though the police station is nearby.
Provincial police spokesperson, Brig Leonard Hlathi was contacted for comment on the issue, however, his phone went unanswered at the time of going to press.
