MMC cautiously optimistic as number of alcohol confiscated at public facilities decreases

The City of Cape Town law enforcement agencies confiscated more than 17 600 bottles of alcohol, at public spaces, between October 2023 and early January 2024.

According to the City, this is a 20% reduction compared to the same period last year. Between October 2023 and 9 January 2024, City enforcement staff confiscated 17 689 bottles of alcohol, amounting to 9 375,59 litres. During the same period the year before, officers confiscated 21 907 bottles (10 354,60 litres).

40% (7 140 bottles) of all confiscations occurred on beaches such as Kalk Bay, Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, Hout Bay, Camps Bay, Clifton and Maiden's Cove accounted for 40% of all confiscations.

PHOTO: CoCT

Mayco Member for Safety & Security, JP Smith, said the New Year's long weekend proved busiest, with the pound recording more than 4 000 bottles brought in for the period. 

 ‘’I'm cautiously optimistic about the decline, and can only hope that it is a sign of things to come in future. While we will never be able to confiscate every bit of alcohol brought to a public space, or have a list of definitive reasons for trends, we do have some anecdotal evidence from our staff's interactions with the public. Among the reasons shared, include that some have opted to set up inflatable pools at home, and party there instead of heading out, while others cited financial reasons, or just leaving the alcohol at home for later.’’

‘’As with all things, there'll always be those looking for ways to outwit our staff, but we quickly cotton on to their tricks. And to those who are able to make a day of it without alcohol, we thank you for taking accountability for your own actions, and the safety of others, and for easing the load on our enforcement and emergency services staff,’’ added JP Smith, MMC for Safety and Security.

 The City's by-laws prohibit the introduction and consumption of alcohol in public spaces, including parks, beaches and swimming pools.

 Those found contravening the law are issued with a R500 fine. Smith says the City's Impoundment policy allows for confiscated alcohol to be tagged, stored and unclaimed alcohol destroyed after three months.

Individuals can reclaim their impounded alcohol once they've paid the fine, and the impoundment release fee of R748. In one such incident this past season, officers confiscated 56 ciders and beers as well as an open bottle of spirits in Sea Point on 18 December – the alcohol was reclaimed the following day.

Done By: Bush Radio News reporter