Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has on Wednesday shut down several clubs that were not complying with Covid-19 laws and regulations, in Soweto and Johannesburg CBD.
According to JMPD spokesperson Wayne Minnaar, the clubs were closed because they were operating after 10:00 pm.
“We have closed four clubs in Soweto and six in Johannesburg CBD. This comes after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently addressed the nation on the 15 December 2020, on extended curfew and alcohol stating that non-essential establishments including bars must close at 10:00pm in order to give employees and patrons sufficient time to return home. Inside one of clubs in Soweto, we found over 300 patrons who were still partying at mid-night. They had to be instructed by police to leave the entertainment place. According to the president’s speech, restaurant owners as well as club owners were urged to operate according to covid-19 regulations operating hours as well as allowed number of patrons”, he said.
Minnaar added that no arrests have been made at those clubs. He warned businesses about the consequences of not following corona regulations.
“We did not confiscate any alcohol at those clubs. Alcohol consumption is prohibited in public places, at the parks and beaches, thus police had to discard half-consumed bottles of alcohol at Thokoza Park in Soweto. Drinking in public will result in criminal record or a fine. When an offender gets arrested, his or her finger-print will be taken, there will be a criminal record and get fined R300. People should enjoy with responsibility and drink at home or in taverns still obeying covid-19 regulations”, said Minnaar.
