Cape Town – If you are one of the people whose alcohol was seized at the beach, don’t worry, you can get it back.
The more than 12 000 bottles of alcohol which have been confiscated at beaches around Cape Town can all be accounted for, mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith has said.
Smith also rubbished claims that seized liquor destined for a storage facility would “leak” on its way or simply disappear.
Some have even suggested that police take the alcohol and party with it themselves, or sold it off.
Smith said detailed receipts have been drafted and mense are more than welcome to come and claim back their booze.
From December 1 to 27, the city council’s law enforcement officials seized 12 407 bottles of alcohol in total – 6 132 of those along the Atlantic Seaboard and just over 3 500 confiscated at Macassar and Gordon’s Bay beaches.
12 407 bottles of alcohol confiscated at #CapeTown beaches since beginning of December, 6 132 seized along Atlantic Seaboard. @4everSiya pic.twitter.com/JqgUATACT8
— Cape Argus (@TheCapeArgus) December 29, 2016
Smith say alcohol cannot simply be poured down the drain either as this would be in contravention of the law.
“The city council cannot summarily dispose of the liquor as that would amount to theft,” Smith said.
He said each confiscated item is listed for auditing purposes.
Offenders are also slapped with a R500 fine and can reclaim their alcohol after paying the fine.
Smith added: “Where impounded goods – in this case alcohol – are not claimed within 90 days of the impoundment, the city council has the right to sell or destroy the goods.
“[To dispose of it] on the beach or into a drain is irresponsible, since that would have an environmental impact and would be against the law.”