MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube on re-opening KwaZulu-Natal liquor sales under Coronavirus COVID-19 alert level 3

Media Alert and Statement by the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Nomusa Dube-Ncube on the day of the re-opening of the sale of liquor

Today, a total of 8000 liquor licence holders in this province are expected to sell alcohol, only for off-consumption purposes.

Our entity, the KZN Liquor Authority has proactively notified licensed premises about Regulations governing the sale of alcohol during COVID-19 Level 3.

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 KZN liquor authority will recommend the suspension of the license until the end of lockdown or for three months.

We are nursing hopes that license 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.  

It should be remembered that weeks ago, I convened a meeting with hospitality industry as well as leaders from organisations representing retail and wholesalers liquor outlets. I was encouraged by their input which I duly submitted to national government.

Importantly, as the department we welcomed their undertaking to ensure the implementation and adherence to health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

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

As an executive authority assigned to this department and its entities, I will provide strong leadership and ensure that we deliver on our mandate bestowed on us by the people of this province.

In particular, a team of inspectors from the department - KZN Liquor Authority, Department of Employment and Labour and law enforcement agencies will make unannounced visits to all licensed premises across the province to monitor compliance with regulations.

The people of KwaZulu-Natal are informed of the following as from today:-

  • The sale of liquor in licensed premises is only allowed on Mondays to Thursdays : Between 09h00 – 17h00;
  • Strictly no consumption of liquor is permitted on the premises;
  • Before any liquor may be sold by any license holder, COVID 19 Health Regulations must be strictly adhered as follows:-

1.    Social Distancing Requirements must be observed as allowed by the floor space of the license outlet to observe the distance of 1, 5 meters between customers both inside and outside the license premises;

2.    All patrons entering the licensed 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 and covering mouth and the nose;

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

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

In conclusion, the KZN Liquor Authority will be submitting regular reports to my office regarding compliance with regulations and any other developments. Such reports will be tabled before the Provincial Command Council.

For further information, liquor traders must contact 031 – 302 0628 or 081033 0831

A team of experienced officials from the department are on standby to investigate complaints regarding violation of Business Regulations. Contact details are as follows:-  

Email            : Consumer.Complaints @kznedtea.gov.za

Whatsup       : 082 458 0706 or 082 374 6660

Enquiries
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Cell: 082 375 4742

Nathi Olifant
Cell: 060 970 5113

Province

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