COVID-19: South Africans Rush to Liquor Stores As Booze Ban Lifts

Scores of people lined up outside liquor stores in South Africa’s township of Soweto on Monday, waiting to stock up on drinks after a nine-week ban on alcohol sales as part of a strict coronavirus lockdown.

Buying booze was prohibited when Africa’s most industrialised economy went into lockdown on March 27.

The ban meant to ease pressure on emergency wards and prevent a feared spike in domestic violence — was lifted for home consumption on Monday as South Africa moved down to level 3 of its five-tier shutdown.

The mood was festive in Soweto, on the outskirts of Johannesburg, where customers carrying crates of empty beer bottles waited out the meandering lines, some stationed in their cars, blasting loud music from their stereos.

“We are overwhelmed, over the moon, so excited,” said queuing customer Bongani Khumalo.

“This place is jamming,” he exclaimed, adding that celebrations were expected throughout the township.

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“I’m here to buy my beloved beer,” said Anele Mapoma, 31.

“It has been a while since I had a taste of that foam and burping (so) I am here so early to satisfy my habit.”

Another Soweto resident admitted she had been looking forward to “this day for an entire month”.

“I had to wake up super early to be here so I’m all good now,” said the unnamed 24-year-old as he stood outside a liquor store in the suburb of Pimville.

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