Strict rules have been put into place during the COVID-19 pandemic for establishments that sell liquor, including bars, clubs, shebeens and restaurants.
READ: Why social distancing is important during the COVID-19 pandemic
Restaurants, however, can trade in their regular trading hours but can only sell liquor between 09:00 and 18:00 on weekdays, and between 09:00 and 13:00 over weekends, the Restaurant Association of South Africa confirmed.
There can only be 50 people or less in establishments at any given time.
For gatherings such as weddings or funerals, there has to be fewer than 100 people, including staff inside restaurants. No special or events liquor licences will be granted during the duration of the national state of disaster.
LISTEN: Restaurant regulations during COVID-19
Limitation on the sale, dispensing or transportation of liquor:
- All on-consumption premises selling liquor, including taverns, restaurants and clubs, must be closed with immediate effect, or must accommodate no more than 50 persons at any time: Provided that adequate space is available and that all directions in respect of hygienic conditions and limitation of exposure to persons with COVID-19, are adhered to.
- All premises selling liquor which provide accommodation must implement measures to stop the spread of COVID-19: Provided that adequate space is available and that all directions in respect of hygienic conditions and limitation of exposure to persons with COVID-19 are adhered to.
- No special or events liquor licenses may be considered for approval during the duration of the national state of disaster.
- All on-consumption premises selling liquor referred to in sub-regulation (1)
must be closed —
(i) between 18:00 and 09:00 the next morning on weekdays and Saturdays; and
(ii) from 13:00 on Sundays and public holidays. - All off-consumption premises selling liquor must be closed —
(i) between 18:00 and 09:00 the next morning on weekdays and Saturdays; and
(ii) from 13:00 on Sundays and public holidays.
Source: The Government Gazette