There has been a 20% reduction in the number of bottles of alcohol that was confiscated by city officials from beaches and other public facilities, between October last year and the 9th of January this year.
20%-reduction noted
The City has expressed its concern that although there was a reduction, year-on-year – the confiscation rate is still alarmingly high. Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith says he’s cautiously optimistic about the decline.
He added, “As with all things, there’ll always be those looking for ways to outwit our staff, but we quickly cotton on to their tricks.”
Enforcement staff have from October last year until early this month, confiscated over 17 000 bottles of alcohol. Over the same period, in 2022 – more than 21 000 bottles were seized.
Bottles of alcohol that were confiscated
40% of these confiscations occurred on beaches including Kalk Bay, Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, Hout Bay, Camps Bay, Clifton and Maiden’s Cove. The New Year’s long weekend proved to be the busiest for officers confiscating over 4 000 bottles alone.
“Thank you for easing the load on our enforcement and emergency services staff,” he concluded.
The City’s by-laws prohibit the introduction and consumption of alcohol in public spaces, including parks, beaches and swimming pools.
Smith says he hopes it’s a sign of things to come in future.
At the same time, he thanked those who did not consume alcohol in public places.
New Year’s long weekend
The City’s Impoundment policy allows for confiscated alcohol to be tagged and stored. Unclaimed alcohol is destroyed after 3 months.
READ MORE: An increase detected in 2021
Smith says individuals can reclaim their impounded alcohol once they’ve paid the fine and the impoundment release fee of R748.
“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,” he added.
Unclaimed alcohol
He says in 1 incident, over the festive season, officers in Sea Point had confiscated 56 ciders and beers, in addition to an open bottle of spirits. The alcohol was confiscated on the 18th of December and it was reclaimed the next day.
READ MORE: The City’s focus on this issue
