The health and livelihoods of residents are prioritised with the reopening of beaches and the resumption of alcohol sales, both of which will benefit the local tourism and hospitality industry.
This, according to Dan Plato, Cape Town Executive Mayor. He adds the sector has been under great strain due to the bans.
“The City welcomes the lifting of the ban on the sale of alcohol as this will greatly assist those in the local tourism and hospitality sector after one of the most challenging festive seasons this sector has ever experienced,” Plato said.
Thousands who work in the tourism and hospitality sector, including restaurants and those at wine farms, can now resume work. This will all help struggling families to put food on the table according to the Mayor.
Plato said in a statement the reopening of beaches will enable residents to make safe use of these spaces for recreation and mental well-being. “We are pleased our residents can get back to work as efforts are refocused on rebuilding the struggling hospitality sector and we urge all residents to please adhere to the new regulations,” he urges. “Residents needs to remain vigilant in order to continue limiting the spread of the virus as the national vaccination campaign is rolled out.”
The amended national regulations include: . Curfew relaxed to between from 23:00 to 04:00. Sale of alcohol and off-site consumption is allowed. All other businesses can continue to operate but must close at 22:00. All beaches and public swimming pools have reopened including those in enclosed resorts. Wearing a mask in public spaces remains compulsory and non compliance is a criminal offence, punishable by a fine or up to six-month imprisonment, if found guilty.. Outdoor gatherings are capped at 100, indoor gatherings at 50. Religious gatherings are limited to 50 people..
