SOUTHERN CAPE NEWS - Restaurants that have been hit hard by the Covid-19 Level 3 restrictions welcomed the easing of the regulations as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 1 February.
The new curfew is 23:00 to 04:00 and on-site consumption of alcohol in licensed establishments is allowed again seven days a week between 10:00 and 22:00. Wendy Alberts, chairperson of the Restaurants Association of South Africa, says she is looking forward to seeing life returning to restaurants. "We have an opportunity to save the industry."
She asks restaurateurs to do everything they can to keep staff and patrons safe and to be responsible so as to avoid a renewed liquor ban.
Liquor trader happy to be open
Johan Koen, Liquor City York owner, expressed relief on Tuesday morning when he could once again welcome customers into his shop. "We've been quite busy this morning. We are glad about the hours that have been extended to 18:00. It helps a lot."
He said it is difficult to get new stock at the moment.
"I've suffered big losses and could not pay wages during the time we could not trade. We have lost a lot of orders that were cancelled - the KKNK, weddings and school functions. That is money I will never get back."
Changes to the Level 3 restrictions include:
- Licensed premises may sell alcohol for off-site consumption from Mondays to Thursdays between 10:00 and 18:00.
- Duty-free shops, registered wineries, wine farms, micro-breweries and micro-distilleries may sell alcohol for off-site consumption.
- Public places such as beaches, dams, rivers, parks and public swimming pools will be reopened subject to health protocols.
- Social gatherings, political events, traditional council meetings and gatherings at sports grounds remain prohibited.
- Religious gatherings and funerals are allowed, but limited to 50 persons or less for indoor venues and 100 persons or less for outdoor venues, with observance of a distance of at least 1,5m from each other.
- International air travel is restricted to OR Tambo, King Shaka and Cape Town international airports.
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