Alcohol curfew again? Why Limpopo SAPS have proposed it returns

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo have made a proposition to implement an alcohol curfew in the province. The Citizen reported on 17 November 2024 that the curfew meant that police would close liquor stores early.

Deputy Provincial Police Commissioner Major General, Jan Scheepers, made the suggestion for the curfew during the Limpopo liquor affairs stakeholders’ engagement session. He presented “alarming” statistics, and a media statement from the Office of the Provincial Commissioner Limpopo was shared on the SAPS website on 16 November 2024. Here’s more on the proposed alcohol curfew.

WHY HAS SAPS PROPOSED RETURN OF ALCOHOL CURFEW IN LIMPOPO?

The aim of the session was to create a platform for collaborative discussions with all the stakeholders. The Deputy Provincial Police Commissioner Major General, Jan Scheepers, started by saying there’s a “troubling reality” in the province. He further stated that “alcohol is the leading contributor to various crimes in Limpopo.”

He said a suggestion for the alcohol curfew was due to the statistics that were alarming. “Rapes, assaults, murders, domestic violence, child abuse, road fatalities and attempted murders are frequently linked to alcohol consumption, both within and outside licensed venue.” This is what he said the proposed amendment would do: “The amendment of the liquor regulations offers us an opportunity to balance the interests of the business community with the well-being of our residents.”

THE FOUR PROPOSED MEASURES

Four measures were proposed by Major General Scheepers regarding the alcohol curfew. These include:

• Adjustment of closing times for liquor outlets to “minimize the post-closing influx of patrons.”
• Stricter noise regulations so peace is not disrupted in communities.
• Engagement with owners of liquor outlets and community members.
• Need for “robust support systems” to be in place for victims of violence related to alcohol.

ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION CONTRIBUTOR OF DEATHS AND DISABILITY

The Citizen reported that in SA, the third-largest contributor to disability and deaths is alcohol consumption. This is according to the Department of Social Development. The publication also spoke to the trade and industry department. The department expressed that the times in which alcohol is sold should be regulated.

The Knysna-Plett Herald published an article on 2 October 2024, which was World No Alcohol Day, a day highlighting the risks of alcohol consumption. The article questioned whether an alcohol curfew would help reduce alcohol consumption in October. Also, the Minister of Social Development called on South Africans to not consume or sell alcohol to minors  during sober October.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE PROPOSED RETURN OF THE ALCOHOL CURFEW?

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