Alcohol destruction highlights key safety challenge
18 December 2025
The destruction of nearly 3 000 litres of alcohol at the City’s Ndabeni Pound today signifies the ongoing enforcement challenge of alcohol consumption in public spaces and its impact on public safety. Read more below:
Alcohol consumption in public spaces remains one of the biggest headaches for enforcement and emergency services, particularly over the festive season.
This, despite the fact that the prohibition of alcohol is the most-talked-about public safety message.
In the first 11 days of December this year, the liquor pound received 1 814 units of confiscated alcohol, amounting to just under 740 litres.
'It's a clear indication – once more – of what we are faced with each and every year. These totals will balloon over the coming weeks, and next year, we'll dispose of it all. The City takes a lot of flak for the alcohol destruction, but the outrage around the destruction that irresponsible alcohol use causes is far more muted. We can significantly reduce incidents of interpersonal violence, drownings, road accidents and pressure on our trauma centres and enforcement services by making different choices, yet for many people this is simply too big an ask,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
The City's Coastal by-law addresses the issue of alcohol on beaches, and signage is posted at all beaches and public amenities, outlining what visitors are able to do.Anyone found in possession of alcohol, or consuming alcohol, will have their goods confiscated, in line with the City's impoundment policy. They will also be fined R500.
The alcohol can be reclaimed, upon payment of the fine and the impoundment release fee, which is R835.
The impoundment policy also guides the disposal of unclaimed alcohol.
'Disposal is the easiest option, as a legal opinion several years ago highlighted a number of complexities to the sale of impounded liquor, including the need for a liquor licence and that it could create the perception that confiscations are profit-driven and not in the interest of public safety.'As we head into the peak festive season, I appeal once more to the public to leave the alcohol at home and to keep our public spaces alcohol-free, for their own safety, but also that of others,' added Alderman Smith.
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
