CoCT optimistiaclly cautious about 20% decline in confiscated booze between over festive season
Law enforcement officials confiscated over 17,000 bottles of alcohol between October last year and the start of this year.
Members of the South African Police Service under the movement known as Operation Shanela confiscated 14 million millilitres of illicitly sold alcohol in Johannesburg and disposed of it on 5 October 2023. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - The City of Cape Town says it’s difficult to confiscate every ounce of alcohol consumed in the city’s public spaces.
This follows a 20% decline in the amount of alcohol seized at the city's beaches over the festive season.
Law enforcement officials confiscated over 17,000 bottles of alcohol between October last year and the start of this year.
That number was higher during the previous reporting period.
Camps Bay, Clifton and Seapoint are among the hotspots for public drinking during the festive season.
The city's MMC for Safety and Security JP Smith says he's cautiously optimistic about the decline.
"We do have some anecdotal evidence from our staff’s interactions with the public. Among the reasons shared, include that some have opted to set up inflatable pools at home, and party there instead of heading out, while others cited financial reasons, or just leaving the alcohol at home for later," said Smith.