Durbanites toast alcohol ban lift
Some Durbanites who have been in queues at liquor stores since this morning say they are excited to be able to buy alcohol under Level 3 lockdown.
Bottle stores and licensed venues opened up their doors for the first time under Level 3 following an alcohol ban during Level 5 and 4 of the nationwide coronavirus lockdown.
Customers are screened for the temperatures before entering, and social distancing is practiced in the queues as per regulations.
KwaMashu's Nokwethemba says she was first in line.
"I was working the night shift. I came straight from work and didn't go home. I came straight to start the line. It feels like it's the first of January. It feels like Christmas morning. I am going to quench my thirst at home with my family."
Justin, from Umhlanga, says he's missed having a drink on the weekend.
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"I came here at 08:30 just to be early and avoid a long queue. I started at another retailer, but the line was just too long. I am here because it's good to have some red wine with dinner every night. Now I can get a couple of beers to have with a braai on weekends."
A 72-year-old says she'll be enjoying her drinks with her husband.
"I am here to buy some wine and some gin. I am going to drink it at home with my husband. What else can you do when you're on lockdown. I am 72 and still drinking gin."
Meanwhile, police have warned visibility will be increased to ensure people do not consume alcohol in public.
