Level 3 ‘life hack’: You can still buy alcohol from these places on a weekend
There are still perfectly legal ways to purchase alcohol for off-site consumption over the weekend, despite Level 3 laws kicking in on Wednesday.
Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to clamp down on alcohol sales will leave some South Africans feeling a little high and dry. Indeed, those of you hoping to do your booze run during Wednesday’s public holiday will be severely disappointed: All the liquor stores are closed today – and will be throughout the weekend – as per the president’s Level 3 announcement.
New liquor laws for Level 3 lockdown
According to our new Level 3 laws, liquor can only be sold for off-site consumption from 10:00 to 18:00, Monday – Thursday. You can still drink in hospitality venues over the weekend, but buying your own supply on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday is generally off-limits. However, while the booze taps are still on, hope is not lost.
The updated restrictions feature guidance on what off-site premises are EXEMPT from the weekend alcohol shutdown. Some businesses only survive from their take-home sales, despite operating in an on-site capacity too. Those in this ‘hybrid’ existence have been handed a reprieve by the president, providing that they adhere to the curfew laws.
Where can I still buy alcohol from over the weekend?
No alcohol can be sold after 21:00 in South Africa, in either bars, restaurants, or the exemptions listed below. If you’re looking to buy liquor on the weekend when all your normal haunts are closed, these are your options:
- – Duty-free stores, such as the ones found in airports
- – Registered wineries and wine farms
- – Micro-breweries
- – Micro-distilleries
- – Bars, restaurants, and taverns – but you have to drink on-site
Alcohol consumption at Level 3: What the regulations say…
Obviously, there are caveats: The government doesn’t want everyone clearing the shelves of duty-free stores the next time they are waiting to fly. And those buying from wine farms will still be subject to all of our standard COVID-19 protocols. The all-important text in the updated Level 3 regulations reads as follows:
“Registered wineries, wine farms, micro-breweries, and micro-distilleries may continue to operate as normal in offering wine tastings, brew tastings, and the selling of these wines and brews to the public for off-site consumption, subject to the strict adherence of the curfew and aforementioned health protocols.”