{"id":296240,"date":"2025-12-18T15:46:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T13:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/peoplespost\/watch-city-destroys-nearly-3-000-litres-of-confiscated-alcohol\/"},"modified":"2025-12-19T08:48:51","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T06:48:51","slug":"watch-city-destroys-nearly-3-000-litres-of-confiscated-alcohol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/peoplespost\/watch-city-destroys-nearly-3-000-litres-of-confiscated-alcohol\/","title":{"rendered":"WATCH | City destroys nearly 3 000 litres of confiscated alcohol"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Thousands of litres of booze, worth an inestimable amount, were poured down the drain today during the City’s annual publicised disposal of unclaimed confiscated alcohol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the bottles destroyed were high-end spirits such as Johnny Walker Blue Label whisky and Bombay Sapphire gin, with at least one bottle estimated to be worth approximately R16 000. A large portion of the alcohol had been confiscated from revellers during illegal public drinking bouts at known hotspots in the first weeks of December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith, said confiscated alcohol is destroyed throughout the year. On average the City destroys about 15 000 litres of unclaimed alcohol a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"3000l
3000l of alcohol was poured down the drain today.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

“The destruction of nearly 3 000 litres of confiscated alcohol at the pound today highlights a very serious ongoing problem we have with alcohol abuse, especially during the festive season,” Smith said during the disposal event. “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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Massive confiscation surge during festive period<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the first 11 days of December alone, the City’s liquor pound received 1 814 units of confiscated alcohol, amounting to just under 740 litres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smith said these totals would “balloon over the coming weeks” as enforcement activities intensify during the peak festive period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IN OTHER NEWS: Police strike again: R115 million counterfeit goods bust in Bellville<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“It’s a clear indication \u2013 once more \u2013 of what we are faced with each and every year,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The confiscated liquor predominantly comes from revellers caught consuming alcohol in public spaces, with many bottles being partially consumed, raising both safety and quality concerns for any potential resale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"JP
JP Smith and Law Enforcement officers dispose of thousands of liters of confiscated booze.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Creative concealment methods challenge enforcement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Smith said people use increasingly creative methods to hide alcohol in public spaces, making enforcement particularly challenging for officers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Alcohol consumption in public spaces remains one of the biggest headaches for our enforcement and emergency staff,” he explained, citing examples of alcohol hidden inside fruit, juice bottles, and even baby nappies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IN OTHER NEWS: Mother\u2019s traumatic smash-and-grab fuels N2 wall debate<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite clear signage posted at all beaches and public amenities outlining prohibited activities, violations continue to surge during the holiday season. Anyone found possessing or consuming alcohol in public faces immediate confiscation of their goods and a R500 fine under the City’s coastal by-law and impoundment policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The alcohol can be reclaimed upon payment of the fine plus an impoundment release fee of R835, though many items remain unclaimed and are eventually destroyed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
The City disposes of about 15 000l of confiscated alcohol annually.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n