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No, Pick n Pay Liquor not selling alcohol from 15 August

Pick n Pay Liquor Store will be selling alcohol in South Africa again on 15 August 2020, claims a graphic doing the rounds on Facebook.

It shows the retailer’s logo and reads: “15 August the wait is over! 15 August we are open!!!”

It adds: “Receive a 5% discount. On your next in store liquor purchase ONLY. Provide proof of preorder.”

Yet the sale of alcohol remains prohibited under the country’s Covid-19 lockdown regulations, currently at alert level 3. The ban aims to reduce pressure on the healthcare system by reducing alcohol-related injuries and diseases.

But will Pick n Pay Liquor Stores, which operate across South Africa, be defying the prohibition to open their doors to sell alcohol from 15 August?

‘Alcohol will be sold when the government permits’

Pick n Pay moved quickly to stop the rumour, issuing a statement on Facebook and Twitter on 7 August.

“Customers, please note that a post doing the rounds saying our Liquor Store will reopen on 15 August is a FAKE. We will continue to adhere to government regulations regarding alcohol sales,” the company said on Facebook.

“The original post relates to pre-orders from our Big Bay store ONLY and can be found on their page Pick n Pay Big Bay Family Store.”

Its tweet said the same thing. 

Customers, please note that a post doing the rounds saying our Liquor Store will reopen on 15 August is FAKE. We will continue to adhere to government regulations regarding alcohol sales. The original post relates to pre-orders from our Big Bay store ONLY> https://t.co/XThy7rkZCY


The original graphic on the Pick n Pay Big Bay Family Store Facebook page includes “BIG BAY” in the logo. It says “Pre Order Your Liquor Now!!!” instead of “15 August we are open!!!”

One Twitter user responded to Pick n Pay’s tweet by asking: “I'm confused? Is Big Bay not in SA? Are they allowed to sell? Pls clarify.”

The retailer clarified: “Hi, No its FAKE news. Alcohol will be sold when the government permits.” – Taryn Willows


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