City of Cape Town officials said alcohol confiscations is once more increasing. This follows a dramatic dip in confiscations last summer when beaches were closed due to lockdown restrictions, the City notes with concern that many people continue to disregard the by-laws prohibiting alcohol in public spaces. Read more below:

The City’s enforcement staff confiscated nearly 5 500 bottles of alcohol since 16 December.

That equates to 2 941 litres, which is slightly higher than the totals at the same point in the 2019/20 festive season.

Mayco member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith says: “These statistics are most concerning, as it means that people simply are not heeding our calls to leave their alcohol at home, showing very little regard for the law, their personal wellbeing and the safety of others around them. With the new year’s weekend still to come, I shudder to think what the totals would look like by next week. Drinking in public, and the antisocial behaviour that often comes with it is nothing to be proud of and it is time that we start calling out those who continue to engage in this selfish behaviour.”

Meanwhile,  Cape Town Traffic Service made 45 arrests, of which 35 were for driving under the influence of alcohol. Officers also impounded 38 vehicles, 30 cellphones and issued 54 321 fines.

Law Enforcement officers made 72 arrests and issued 1 694 notices, while their Metro Police counterparts also arrested 72 suspects and issued 3 504 traffic and bylaw fines.