YOU BOOZE, YOU LOSE - City warn public suipers as they destroy 3 000 litres of dop

THE City of Cape Town on Thursday gooied over 3 000 litres of festive dop down the drain. 

According to Mayco Member for Safety and Security of JP Smith, the booze was confiscated from mense drinking in public as mense flock to beaches and open space around the Mother City in December. 

But Smith says the consumption of alcohol in public and in general at this time of the year is a major driver of crime and road accidents. 

As Smith and law enforcement officers poured the booze out at the City’s Ndabeni Pound, he addressed the media today on the ongoing enforcement challenge of alcohol consumption in public spaces and its impact on public safety. 

He said: “In the first 11 days of December this year, the liquor pound received 1 814 units of confiscated alcohol, amounting to just under 740 litres. 

“It's a clear indication – once more – of what we are faced with each and every year. These totals will balloon over the coming weeks, and next year, we'll dispose of it all. 

“The City takes a lot of flak for the alcohol destruction, but the outrage around the destruction that irresponsible alcohol use causes is far more muted. 

“We can significantly reduce incidents of interpersonal violence, drownings, road accidents and pressure on our trauma centres and enforcement services by making different choices, yet for many people this is simply too big an ask.” 

The City's Coastal by-law addresses the issue of alcohol on beaches, and signage is posted at all beaches and public amenities, outlining what visitors are able to do.

Anyone found in possession of alcohol, or consuming alcohol, will have their goods confiscated, in line with the City's impoundment policy. They will also be fined R500.

The alcohol can be reclaimed, upon payment of the fine and the impoundment release fee, which is R835.

The impoundment policy also guides the disposal of unclaimed alcohol.

Smith added: “As we head into the peak festive season, I appeal once more to the public to leave the alcohol at home and to keep our public spaces alcohol-free, for their own safety, but also that of others.”

Meanwhile, the South African Police Service will also be taking confiscated drank to be destroyed on Friday, 19 December.