Confiscated fireworks and alcohol handed over

GEORGE NEWS - George Municipality recently released alcohol that had been confiscated from various beaches over the festive season, into the custody of the George police.

Confiscated fireworks to the value of R25 400 will be collected by the Mossel Bay police's explosives unit for disposal.

According to George Municipality communications officer, Debra Sauer, the municipality implemented a complete ban on the setting off of fireworks, firecrackers, flares, paper lanterns, and other such paraphernalia in the George municipal area.

"More than 169 visits to retail outlets selling illegal fireworks were undertaken over the festive season with 25 fines issued, totalling a value of R59 000. Our law enforcement officials, aided by 30 beach monitors, successfully enforced and implemented the zero tolerance towards alcohol on our beaches this season," she said.

George Municipality was adamant that no alcohol would be allowed on beaches and confiscated alcohol to the value of R20 156.

"Our law enforcement officials estimate that they showed away alcohol to an estimated value of R52 000 (i.e. beachgoers agreed to either dispose of it themselves and/or return it to their vehicle)," Sauer said.

"With prevention activities by lifeguards, this contributed to our first season with no drowning incidents on the beaches," said Sauer.

NSRI's Michael Vonk applauded the role law enforcement, the police, and other security services that played a role in preventing the consumption of alcohol on the beaches.

Alcohol is strictly prohibited on all beach areas under the control of the George Munici-pality, including Herold's Bay, Gwaiing river mouth, Victoria Bay, Wilderness, and Leentjiesklip areas.

Mayor Leon van Wyk with some of the confiscated alcohol that was released to the police recently for disposal.