By Yolanda Palezweni
Patrons at three taverns ignored Covid-19 regulation in Motherwell at the weekend, potentially putting hundreds more at risk.
Motherwell is considered a Covid-19 hotspot but throngs of revellers — most without masks and with no social distancing — packed the three taverns on Saturday night.
One tavern was fined R3,000 for selling alcohol and operating after the new curfew which runs from 10pm-4am.
The Eastern Cape Liquor Board and police inspected the taverns to ensure compliance with regulations.
The joint operation started on Friday and saw the teams visit New Brighton, Kwazakhele and some towns in the Sarah Baartman District municipality.
On Saturday, the teams patrolled Motherwell and visited three taverns.
Eastern Cape Liquor Board spokesperson Mgwebi Msiya said the campaign entailed engagements with liquor traders to educate them about their role in curbing the spread of Covid-19.The rampant cases of non-compliance with trading conditions by some liquor outlets has contributed to the rapid spread of Covid-19
At the taverns visited on Saturday, most people were not wearing masks.
“Blitz operations in collaboration with SAPS and metro law enforcement are being carried out to crack down on those liquor outlets that are not compliant with their licence conditions.
“The operation will also identify liquor outlets that sell liquor without valid licences,” he said
Eastern Cape Liquor Board CEO Nombuyiselo Makala said it was concerning that there was an absolute disregard of health protocols.
We wish to remind liquor traders that Covid-19 is still with us and it is time that we are all vigilant by taking a collective responsibility to prevent the spread of Covid-19 cases,” Makala said.
The Eastern Cape Liqour board urged residents to report any cases of non-compliance on 0800-000-420.
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