Big rush as alcohol sales unlocked

EXCITEMENT ruled in Empangeni and surrounds as residents flooded local liquor stores yesterday (Monday) morning to stock up on their favourite beverages.

There was a collective sigh of relief when President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the sale of alcohol would be permitted during Level 3 of the national lockdown.

ALSO READ: Ulundi Municipality supports youth club

Minister of Trade and Industry, Ebrahim Patel, stipulated that during Level 3, liquor stores, bars, taverns and restaurants can sell alcohol from 9am to 5pm from Mondays to Thursdays, but this may only be for home consumption.

No on-site drinking is permitted.

Kevin Timm of Empangeni Cash and Carry Liquors said they had been inundated with bulk pre-orders since the beginning of lockdown.

Kuleka Road in Empangeni, which leads to a wholesaler, was jam-packed with cars and bakkies stacked with crates from as early as 6am on Monday.

‘The pre-orders have been remarkable and we are trying to contain this by allowing a limited number of customers through our gates at specific times,’ said Timm.

‘Customers also have to wear masks and their temperatures are checked before they enter the store.’

PicardiRebel Liquors manager, Mark Swartzberg, told the Zululand Observer that while they were relatively busy, customers were well-behaved.

‘We had 26 customers making purchases in less than an hour,’ he said.

‘Most of the purchases were made in bulk. Although we expected chaos, we were happy to see that people are willing and happy to wait in the queue outside and no one has been impatient.’

Swartzberg said Level 3 lifted a huge burden off the liquor industry.

‘Our staff was just happy to be back at work and we were relieved for the delivery truck drivers who also did not have an income during the lockdown.’

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 072 069 4169

Instagram – zululand_observer