Liquor store tops level 3

Photo: Michel Bega / Twitter

Watch: Massive queues as liquor stores open up for Level 3

The long wait for the reopening of liquor stores has come to an end on Monday, as Level 3 comes into effect. But the queues outside Tops have been hectic.

Liquor store tops level 3

Photo: Michel Bega / Twitter

First thing Monday morning, at the beginning of Level 3; what are your plans? Some of us will be trying to drag ourselves to work, and others will be squeezing in a bit of exercise. However, it’s expected that thousands of South Africans will raid liquor stores (in particular, Tops) as alcohol officially goes back on sale today. The queues are already swelling, too.

Liquor stores: Tops opening times, trading hours and limits for Monday 1 June

Hot-spots in Gauteng and the Western Cape have all seen lines of people snake around the block, as citizens try to get their fix for the first time in almost 10 weeks. Bottle stores can now operate from 9:00 – 17:00, from Monday through to Thursday. Supermarkets and other licensed vendors can also sell booze during this window. These establishments will not open for alcohol sales over the weekend.

The controversial alcohol ban ends at Level 3 of lockdown, which officially came into force on Monday. It already seems like many South Africans have a cause for celebration.

Watch: Liquor stores open up for Level 3

Level 3 alcohol sales – people queuing overnight at Tops

Even before shops opened their doors, people had quite literally set their stalls up in preparation. Some shoppers even camped out overnight at certain liquor stores, adamant that they’d be the first to get their alcohol after such a long wait. Social distancing measures have varied in different places, though.