The opening of alcohol sales has also brought joy to informal traders who say they survive by selling dop.
Pushing their trollies, dustbins and driving small bakkies, they made their way to liquor stores in Strand and Khayelitsha early Monday morning to purchase their stock.
“This is the only business I know,” said licensed seller, Lizalise Velem from Strand, who has been selling alcohol for the past 14 years.
“I injured my leg at work about 16 years ago and I cannot work anymore.
“Alcohol is putting bread on the table for many families and the ban affected us badly.”
A Khayelitsha shebeen queen, who admits she is selling alcohol illegally, said she is happy to be back in business: “I will spend around R20 000 buying cases and I sell from my house.
“The alcohol I sell has put my two children in university and is feeding a family of six.”
BACK IN BUSINESS: Informal dop traders rejoiced
Meanwhile, Police Minister Bheki Cele reiterated that places that sell food should not take advantage and sell alcohol after hours.
“Don’t get tempted because you are selling food and smuggle alcohol into the food. There are no gatherings, people must drink alone.
“We want police to be soft but do not push them too hard,” he warned.
The Western Cape Liquor Authority (WCLA) said it would be working closely with the police to ensure safe trading methods.
WCLA spokesperson Nwabisa Mpalala said: “The WCLA has also communicated to the industry to share the specific regulations regarding alcohol and its trading. Further[more], our organisation will continue to report all illegal trading to SAPS since it is a criminal offence.”