Lockdown Level 3 Alcohol Laws

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Assuming that Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma doesn’t flip the script when the National Command Centre (NCC) confirms the changes for Level 3 of lockdown later this week, South Africans will be able to buy alcohol from 1 June.

But there are limitations as to where – and when – we can consume booze during Level 3. President Cyril Ramaphosa was keen to stress that this next stage of lockdown isn’t a free-for-all.

 

Level 3 does, however, loosen a few restrictions on our civil liberties: Curfew is lifted, time limits on exercise will be abolished, and millions of workers will be told to return to their jobs. This is a bold step forward, and it’s one the president believes will save the economy. But will the new laws for alcohol work? Allow us to explain.

The dos and don’ts of drinking alcohol during Level 3 of lockdown

Allowed:

  • Alcohol may be sold for home consumption only under strict conditions.
  • You can buy alcohol from supermarkets and licenced stores at Level 3 of lockdown.
  • Those with gardens, balconies, and other outside features can also drink in these areas.
  • You are allowed to consume alcohol with members of your own household only.

Not Allowed:

  • Referring to the previous point, you cannot invite friends round to drink at your home, nor can you visit a friend’s home. for a tipple. Social distancing guidelines and the advice to ‘avoid socialising’ remains in place.
  • Restaurants are still prohibited from serving booze, subject to confirmation from the NCC.
  • All bars and taverns remain closed at Level 3, and will do for months to come.
  • You cannot drink in hotel bars, either. Although the accommodation sector has been allowed to open for workers and business representatives, these venues will not serve as a ‘loophole’ to the current laws.
  • Domestic flights are allowed under extremely limited circumstances – but there will be no beer on the in-flight menus. Airport bars will also remain closed for the foreseeable future.

Yet to be confirmed:

  • The days when South Africans can buy booze from the liquor store – Monday to Thursday has been drafted.
  • The hours when liquor stores will be open. Four-hour windows have previously been suggested for Level 3.
  • Will the “surname system” be deployed? The NCC will confirm or deny this week.
  • Quantitative limits: It’s likely that we will only be allowed to buy a select amount of booze during each trip.

 

WATCH THE LEVEL 3 LOCKDOWN ADDRESS:

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