Midnight Liquor Curfew Proposed by SAPS in Limpopo to Curb Holiday Crime

Proposed Curfew for Liquor Outlets

In a bid to reduce crime during the festive season, SAPS in Limpopo is pushing for an earlier curfew on liquor outlets. The police want liquor outlets to close by midnight instead of the usual later hours. This move follows a similar curfew last year, which saw a noticeable drop in crime.

Deputy Provincial Commissioner of SAPS Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers, explained that alcohol is often a contributing factor to crime. However, he emphasized that it’s the behavior after drinking that leads to issues. “When liquor outlets close earlier, we save lives,” Scheepers said in an interview with Newzroom Afrika.

Reducing Alcohol-Related Crime

The proposal aims to make the festive season safer for all. “If people drink responsibly, we can have a fun and safe holiday,” Scheepers added. He acknowledged that alcohol-related incidents often result in funerals during December and January. He believes that limiting the hours for alcohol sales could prevent this.

Liquor traders have challenged the curfew in the past, but SAPS remains focused on protecting communities. “Alcohol isn’t the problem, but the behavior that comes after drinking is,” Scheepers said.

Working with Liquor Traders

SAPS has met with liquor traders to discuss proposed amendments to liquor regulations. One major change would involve reducing the hours liquor outlets are allowed to operate during the holidays. Instead of closing at 2 a.m. or 4 a.m., the new proposal suggests midnight closures.

“We need liquor outlets to help us reduce crime by taking responsibility for their premises,” Scheepers said.

Looking Ahead: A Safer Festive Season

This proposed curfew is part of a larger effort to reduce festive season violence. SAPS believes that it can keep communities safer by limiting alcohol sales and encouraging responsible drinking.

With support from liquor traders and the public, SAPS hopes to create a safer environment for everyone this holiday season.