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Numerous residents and organisations are concerned about public drinking at Bloubergstrand Beach and the Milnerton Lagoon, with some reporting glass chards found in the sand.
During a recent Community Policing Forum (CPF) in Milnerton, public drinking was one of the key focuses, with safety officials explaining that public drinking would be met with arrest. One of the metro police officers at the meeting said they focus on public drinking especially when beach patrols are conducted.
“When drivers are standing on the side of the road and caught consuming alcohol and drinking in public (this) is considered as two separate fines”.
“After a test is done, fines are issued to all if found in the car (R500 each) for drinking in public and consuming alcohol in public, even when it happens at a mall or supermarket. Arrests are made if over the legal alcohol limit is found.”
Glass shard
Save a Fishie’s Zoë Prinsloo says they have found several broken glass chards during their beach clean-ups.
“Time and time again we find the most horrific shards of broken glass protruding from the sand waiting for little toes or furry paws to step on them,” Prinsloo said.
They have had two incidents of clean-up crews cutting their feet on broken glass in the sand. “The most recent had to go to the emergency room for stitches,” she said.
“When will people learn? When will they think? When will they be held responsible for their actions? Public drinking is a problem. Enjoy the beach without alcohol. Yes, it is possible!” she said.
A resident in Bloubergstrand says over weekends the beach is so crowded that you can’t even walk your pet.
“I’ve seen many people drink alcohol at Bloubergstrand Beach. The unrest afterwards is quite disturbing,” Leonora Cummings says.
Zero tolerence
Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith, says its officers have zero tolerance for anyone consuming alcohol in the City of Cape Town’ public spaces.
“While we will never be able to confiscate every bit of alcohol brought to a public space, or have a list of definitive reasons for trends, we do have some anecdotal evidence from our staff’s interactions with the public,” he said.
Smith added that a fine of R500 would be issued to anyone contravening the City’s by-laws.
“But we must be clear. Alcohol is not allowed on the beaches. Do not drink and drive. We arrest countless drivers each weekend for being over the limit,” he said.
Smith added: “If you have been drinking and find yourself at the beach, do not enter the water. The ocean is a force of nature that shows no mercy to those with impaired judgement. When out with friends, be sure to keep your belongings under a watchful eye.”
Alcohol confiscated
Earlier this year, the City of Cape Town said it is cautiously optimistic following a 20% decline in alcohol confiscated at its beaches during the festive season.
According to the City, law enforcement officials seized over 17 000 bottles of alcohol between October last year and January 2024.
“We were very concerned about the Easter weekend falling over a month-end period, and unfortunately far too many of the statistical indicators point once more to the use, and abuse of alcohol,
I am perplexed by the sharp increase in motor vehicle accidents and the number of incidents related to interpersonal violence calls,” said Smith in a media statement.
Police have also issued a stern warning to beachgoers to rather drink at home and not on the beach.
