Thirsty South Africans stock up as alcohol ban is lifted

South Africans rejoiced on Monday 1 June as alcohol was finally being sold under the country’s alert level three lockdown restrictions. Thousands of people rushed to liquor outlets to replenish their supplies.

However, despite some people celebrating the opening up of alcohol sales, many others complained about the damaging effects of overindulgence, with #AlcoholMustFall trending on Twitter on Tuesday.

On Monday morning liquor stores in the country opened their doors for the very first time since the implementation of South Africa’s nationwide lockdown on 26 March. This allowed for the citizens of Mzansi to finally stock up and relieve their thirst. 

The hashtag, #LiquorShops was trending on Twitter since early Sunday night and all of Monday, with social media users leading the conversation as people headed to their nearest liquor stores, often waiting in very long lines.

Zinhle Nyoni (22), a resident of Katlehong in Gauteng, said she had been standing in line since as early as 07:00 on Monday morning. She said the wait was worth it, as she had missed being able to buy and enjoy alcohol.

“Since we’re not going to work, there’s nothing else we can do. So it’s better we are sitting at home with alcohol, then we won’t get bored,” Nyoni said.

Rasaad Adams from threestreamsmedia visited a few liquor stores and spoke to people as they were waiting in line.