No liquor when the clock strikes 12 Will it help Cinderella keep her slipper?

Thabazimbi – As from Tuesday 1 August no liquor will be sold in Limpopo after midnight. The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (DEDET) is implementing the amendment to the Limpopo Liquor Act.

Limpopo DEDET member of the executive council (MEC) Rodgers Monama announced that the curfew aims to reduce gender-based violence, rape, child abuse, accidents, and other violence-related crimes in Limpopo.

However, business owners might not share the same sentiment. “The leisure and entertainment industry took a massive knock during Covid-19, and some businesses, especially those who did not receive support during the pandemic, are still trying to get back on their feet,” said Thaba Nkwe Bushveld Inn owner Tony Anderson in an interview with Platinum Bushvelder on Wednesday 26 July. “The law is the law, and if it is implemented, we will abide. But I think fighting crime is being approached from the wrong angle; instead of negatively affecting businesses, law enforcement needs to improve its operations to reduce crime.”

Platinum Bushvelder also reached out to Thabazimbi’s SAPS office, who indicated that they have not yet received any official notice of the change in curfew for the selling of alcohol.

On social media, several pub owners have voiced their discontent with the new regulations, while a lot of people have expressed their hope that the curfew might bring an end to taverns making a lot of noise until the morning hours.

While discussions continue between provincial authorities and businesses affected by the new regulation, it remains to be seen whether there will be a drop in crime with the implementation of the new curfew.

Photo: Thaba Nkwe Bushveld Inn manager Chantell Saunders behind the lodge’s bar.