Concern over non-compliance at KZN pubs, restaurants as infections soar

Zikalala briefed the media on Sunday amid an exponential increase in the number of infections in the province.

Zikalala says some owners of establishments have lowered their guards and continue to operate after curfew.

“It has been brought to our attention that a number of trendy pubs and restaurants are flouting Level 3 regulations by letting in a large number of people into their establishments. This seems to intensify as the clock ticks closer to 10pm.

“It appears that owners of these pubs and restaurants have lowered their guard, and are now conducting full-scale super-spreader events. We want to remind them of the regulations that are in place as part of Adjusted Level 3 of the national lockdown, which state very clearly that such establishments may only have 50 people indoors, and 100 people outdoors. 

“There is still a curfew in place, which is from 10pm to 4am,” said Zikalala.

He warned law enforcement will step up monitoring. 

“I have instructed the security cluster to look closely into this situation. We warn to send a strong warning to all business operators and, indeed patrons themselves, to respect the law.

“We really do not want a situation where we are forced to revoke people’s trading licences and shut them down, as this will worsen an already tough situation. We hope it will not come to that, because we want to see everyone succeed and recover from the effects of Covid-19 and the recent unrest.”

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