'Pay beaches would cut booze'
2003-01-06 21:27
Cape Town - Bring back paying beaches.
That is the urgent call from SA Lifesaving after Cape beaches were allegedly awash with alcohol this season while authorities preferred to look the other way.
Obstinate beachgoers are refusing to leave their booze at home even when threatened with a fine of R500 or more.
Nicholas Reyneke, a spokesperson for SA Lifesaving, said more than 16 people died on Cape beaches since the beginning of the summer holidays and 99% of those deaths were alcohol-related.
"Cape beaches were again awash in booze this year. People literally turn up at beaches with crates of alcohol. The policy of zero-tolerance does not work since only lip service is paid to it.
"Over the past weekend a couple was brutally attacked with a knife by fellow beachgoers - and that in front of British tourists.
Getting worse
"Alcohol plays a definite role in such cases. Every year it gets worse. The same problem exists along the False Bay coast. Zero-tolerance means nothing," Reyneke said.
"We have a huge problem and the authorities are ignoring it. Law enforcement is poor. Beachgoers drink openly in front of the police."
Reyneke said the only solution would be to ask admission fees at Cape beaches.
"Even a 10-cent entrance fee would help control visitors to the beaches and the stuff they bring along. Not much money would be generated, but whatever came in could be used to fix vandalised amenities."
Reyneke said it was encouraging that violent crimes like rape and robbery had declined on Cape beaches, compared to previous years.
Cape Town Tourism
Sheryl Ozinsky, Cape Town Tourism CEO, said the city had a "fantastic" holiday season, and the hospitality industry and law enforcement agencies should not rest on their laurels.
"People are working hard and we are proud of our achievements, but the season is not over yet and thousands of people, especially international tourists, are expected in Cape Town in February and March."
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