Cape Town: Nearly 3000 litres of alcohol were destructed at the Ndabeni Pound of the City of Cape Town that signified the ongoing enforcement challenge of alcohol consumption in public spaces and its impact on public safety.
Reportedly, the Alcohol consumption in public spaces remains one of the biggest headaches for enforcement and emergency services, especially during the festive season. Despite of the fact, the prohibition of Alcohol is the most talked about public safety message.
In the first 11 days of December this year, the liquor pound received 1,814 units of confiscated alcohol and the amount counts to just under 740 litres.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith said that it is a clear indication, that once more, of what they have faced with each and every year.
These totals will balloon over the coming weeks, and next year, they’ll dispose of it all. The City of Cape Town takes a lot of flak for the alcohol destruction, but the outrage around the destruction that irresponsible alcohol use causes is far more muted.
They can significantly reduce incidents of interpersonal violence, drownings, road accidents and pressure on the trauma centres and enforcement services by making different choices, yet for many people this is simply too big to ask.
The Coastal by-law of the City of Cape Town addresses the issue of alcohol on beaches and signage is posted at all beaches and public amenities by outlining what visitors are able to do. If, anyone found in possession of alcohol, or consuming alcohol, will have their goods confiscated, in line with the impoundment policy of the City of Cape Town and they will also be fined R500.
The alcohol can be reclaimed, upon payment of the fine and the impoundment release fee, which is R835. The impoundment policy also guides the disposal of unclaimed alcohol.
According to Smith, disposal is the easiest option, as a legal opinion several years ago and highlighted a number of complexities to the sale of impounded liquor, including the need for a liquor licence and that it could create the perception that confiscations are profit-driven and not in the interest of public safety.
He added that they head into the peak festive season, he appeals once more to the public to leave the alcohol at home and to keep our public spaces alcohol-free, for their own safety, but also that of others.