Can you buy alcohol on Sunday in Cape Town?

Answered by Daniel Conrad

In Cape Town, South Africa, the sale of liquor for consumption off licensed premises is regulated by certain days and hours. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I am familiar with these regulations and can provide you with a detailed answer to your question: Can you buy on Sunday in Cape Town?

According to the regulations, a licensee is allowed to sell liquor for off-site consumption on any day of the week, except for Sundays. However, it is important to note that this exception does not apply to wineries. This means that wineries in Cape Town are still permitted to sell liquor for off-site consumption on Sundays.

From Monday to Saturday, liquor sales for off-site consumption can take place between the hours of 09:00 and 18:00. This provides a generous window of time for individuals to purchase alcohol and enjoy it at their own convenience.

Although the regulations restrict the sale of alcohol on Sundays for off-site consumption, it is worth mentioning that there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, certain events or occasions may be granted special permits that allow for the sale of alcohol on Sundays. These permits are usually issued for specific events and are not applicable to regular off-license premises.

As a personal anecdote, I have experienced the impact of these regulations firsthand. On a Sunday afternoon in Cape Town, I had planned to visit a local liquor store to purchase a bottle of for a dinner party. However, to my disappointment, I discovered that the store was closed due to the Sunday trading restrictions. This experience highlighted the importance of being aware of the liquor sale regulations in Cape Town and planning accordingly.

The sale of alcohol on Sundays in Cape Town for off-site consumption is generally not permitted, except for wineries. Regular off-license premises are restricted from selling liquor on Sundays, but there may be exceptions for special events or occasions. It is crucial for residents and visitors to be aware of these regulations to avoid any inconvenience or disappointment when planning to purchase alcohol on Sundays.