Alcohol sale in the Kingdom of Eswatini has been banned with immediate effect for a duration of four (4) weeks, Acting Prime Minister Themba Dlamini announced during a press briefing on Wednesday.

Masuku said there will be serious consequences which may include the suspension of the trading license of any retailer who offends the alcohol ban directive.  

He said this measures are meant to disrupt the galloping spread of the virus.

“We have witnessed many imbibers ignoring the directive to only consume alcohol at home, thereby congregating in groups where they remove masks and share their drinks”, said the Acting Prime Minister.

He added that an intoxicated mind does not have the capacity to think rationally which is dangerous at a time where every action has consequences. He revealed that law enforcers were assaulted trying to disperse those drinking in groups with police vehicles pelted and vandalized in the process.

Masuku said the government cannot tolerate that kind of behavior adding that the ban of alcohol sale should not a ticket for black market and illegal home brews to emerge and thrive during this period.  He said, law enforcement officers, community police working with regional task team will be vigilant in monitoring the black market of alcohol.

Masuku also has announced an extension of the strengthened partial lockdown measures by another four weeks with effect from midnight, Thursday, 21 January 2021