Alcohol Ban: Transportation of Booze Is Allowed During Temp Ban

Alcohol Ban: Transportation of Booze Is Allowed During Temp Ban

- Cogta Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma was reportedly wrong about the temporary ban on alcohol transportation

- The Minister's spokesperson revealed that the transportation of alcohol is allowed during the off-site purchase temporary ban

- This follows the Minister's announcement during a press briefing that no alcohol may be transported during this time

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It turns out that alcohol can be transported over the Easter period. Cogta Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma announced on Thursday during a media briefing that alcohol may not be transported over the long weekend's temporary ban.

Dlamini-Zuma went so far as to say that police officers will be conducting roadblocks to ensure that alcohol is not being transported. This seems to have been a mistake on the part of the Minister.

Reports say that her spokesperson, Lungi Mtshali, said that there was no ban on the transportation of liquor during this period. He added that the ban only extends to the off-site purchasing of alcohol.

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Alcohol Ban: Transportation of Booze Is Allowed During Temp Ban
Alcohol is allowed to be transported during the temporary booze ban in SA. Image: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg
Source: Getty Images

According to TimesLIVE, Mtshali stated that the regulations had not been amended since they were published on 30 March. Two separate lawyers spoke to the publication before the backtrack. One revealed that there is 'never law' in a Minister's press conference.

A report by EWN revealed that Lucky Ntimane, the National Liquor Traders Council's National Convener, stated that the alcohol regulations simply do not speak about the transportation of alcohol.

Minister Dlamini-Zuma stated on Thursday that roadblocks would be conducted, however, Mtshali cleared the air. According to the spokesperson, there is no risk of alcohol being confiscated during the temporary ban.

The report continued by saying that Mtshali spoke about there being no risk of alcohol being confiscated during transportation over the Easter period.

Previously, Briefly.co.za reported that on-site alcohol consumption is still allowed through the ban period but is only allowed until 11pm. This means that bars and restaurants will be allowed to run as normal with alcohol sales and consumption.

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The transportation ban will begin on Friday, 2 April until Monday, 5 April. Alcohol that was bought before the temporary ban will not be allowed to be moved from any point.

According to TimesLIVE, Dlamini-Zuma stated that police will be conducting roadblocks as people are not allowed to transport alcohol. The minister added that the ban of off-site consumption would limit people moving around to different events such as braais during the Easter celebrations.

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Source: Briefly News

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Reeshni Chetty Reeshni Chetty is a senior current affairs reporter. The Damelin journalism and media studies graduate was top of her class with 16 distinctions and she boasts experience in radio, print and digital media. When Reeshni is not rushing to bring you the most important and breaking news in current affairs, she's raising awareness around mental health. Reeshni has a passion for breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues.