'Alcohol sanitises me inside'

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The White House tavern in Umasizakhe, Graaff-Reinet, has been cause for concern in the Covid-19 hotspot this week, after a video circulated on social media showed hundreds of people partying outside the tavern, with no sign of masks of social distancing.

Capt Bradley Rawlinson, spokesperson for the Graaff-Reinet SAPS, confirmed this week that the incident occurred on 18 September this year.

"That night, the crowd also threw stones at the police and damaged vehicles," Rawlinson told the Advertiser. According to him, a case of malicious damage to property was opened, and police members conduct regular patrols in the area.

Amanda November, manager of the tavern, said the establishment complies with the Covid-19 health protocols and no more than 50 patrons are allowed inside. "Everybody gets their own glass to drink out of and we ensure that everyone wears their mask when entering the tavern," she said.

A neighbour of the tavern, who wishes to remain anonymous, said a throng of people can be seen outside the tavern on a Saturday night. "What these young people are doing is wrong. It is up to everyone to everyone to practice social distancing and wear their masks," the neighbour said.

A screengrab from a video showing hundreds of partygoers outside the tavern in September.

Nomphelo Basjan, a frequents visitor to the tavern, said she fully complies with Covid-19 when visiting her favourite drinking spot. "I sanitise my hands and they even take my temperature when I enter," she said. "And alcohol sanitises me from the inside," she added.

The Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) has recently raised its concerns about the high number of cases of non-compliance by liquor outlets with regard to Covid-19 health protocols, especially as the province grapples with the rapid resurgence of the pandemic.

The ECLB urges community members to report any cases of non-compliance to the nearest police station or the ECLB toll-free complaints line: 0800 000 420 or WhatsApp: 076 403 6223.

Management of the tavern says Covid-19 regulations are being enforced.