The City of Cape Town has destroyed 3,000 litres of confiscated alcohol as part of its festive season safety and law-enforcement readiness plan.
The alcohol was seized during the first two weeks of December, as the City intensifies efforts to curb public drinking during the holiday period. Authorities have reiterated that alcohol consumption in public spaces is prohibited and warned that stricter enforcement will continue throughout the festive season.
On average, the City destroys approximately 15,000 litres of alcohol each year, confiscated during routine law-enforcement operations.
Safety and Security Mayoral Committee Member JP Smith said public drinking remains a significant contributor to serious injuries and fatalities.
“Liquor in public places contributes disproportionately to injuries, accidents, and fatalities. Pedestrian fatalities are extremely high. It’s the biggest form of road death is pedestrian fatalities. When car and pedestrian meet, pedestrian always loses. Injuries on beaches, especially drownings, are a major factor and we have seen that when we reduce the alcohol effectively, those drownings disappear. And then, of course, drunk driving remains a massive problem.”
The City has urged residents and visitors to comply with liquor laws and act responsibly to help reduce accidents, injuries and loss of life over the festive period.
