Public drinking along Melkbosstrand to Milnerton beaches has surged in recent weeks, raising concerns among residents, law enforcement, and environmental groups.
Despite strict regulations prohibiting alcohol consumption on beaches, reports of late-night parties, littering, and disorderly behaviour have increased. Authorities are now grappling with how to curb the trend while maintaining the area’s appeal for locals and tourists.
In a recent incident, the local environmental group Save a Fishie – known for its beach clean-ups and marine conservation efforts – witnessed a group openly drinking at Lagoon Beach in Milnerton. Zoë Prinsloo from Save a Fishie reported spotting four men at the beach on Saturday 15 March, starting their morning with a few alcoholic beverages by their car, accompanied by blaring music.
“Because who needs the soothing sound of ocean waves, right? Then they decided that the parking lot was simply not close enough to enjoy this beautiful beach view. So, understandably they moved in for a closer view, with their beverages of course, a chair and a bucket chair,” she says.
Prinsloo says the men spent time throwing a bottle into the waves and watching it wash out again – over and over, mesmerised by the ocean not wanting their gift.
“Public drinking is a constant problem! We often see people drinking in the parking lot when we are there. We find broken bottles, glass shards, metal bottle caps etc almost every time we do a clean-up. We have already had three instances where a volunteer or beach-goer has cut their foot badly from a broken piece of glass hidden in the sand, once so bad they needed to go to the emergency room for stitches.
“I must say though that public drinking in Cape Town is not as bad as in other parts of the country.
“When we do our Coast 2 Coast trip, we are astounded and shocked how people blatantly drink in public, often in full view of police, with nothing being done! At least here, if seen and caught, action is taken immediately. Sadly the police can’t be everywhere and when we phone, by the time they get there, the drinkers have already moved on. It’s very hard to catch them in the act! And I need to be careful when approaching as you don’t know how they will react,” she says.
No drinking zone
Beach-goers are reminded that alcohol is not permitted on any of the City’s beaches or swimming pools. Any alcohol found on beaches will be confiscated by law enforcement.
The City of Cape Town has repeatedly urged the public to respect beach regulations, warning that drinking in these areas not only threatens the environment but can also result in fines or arrests. Law enforcement has stepped up patrols, but the problem persists, especially during weekends and holidays. Local residents and environmental groups are calling for stricter enforcement and increased public awareness to protect the coastline.
Vivian O’Neil who owns an apartment on the Table View beachfront has noticed a sharp increase in public drinking on the beach.
She says there are times when the noise becomes unbearable, with loud music and shouting carrying on well into the night, disrupting the peaceful coastal atmosphere.
“It is especially crowded over weekends. I call law enforcement to intervene, but the drinkers just come back after the officers are done patrolling. There are some nights when I feel unsafe in my own home,” she says.
Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith, previously told the newspaper officers have zero tolerance for anyone consuming alcohol in the City of Cape Town’s public spaces.
“While we will never be able to confiscate every bit of alcohol brought to a public space, or have a list of definitive reasons for trends, we do have some anecdotal evidence from our staff’s interactions with the public,” he said.
“Among the reasons shared include that some have opted to set up inflatable pools at home, and party there instead of heading out.”
Smith added that a fine of R500 would be issued to anyone contravening the City’s by-laws.
“But we must be clear. Alcohol is not allowed on the beaches. Do not drink and drive.
“We arrest countless drivers each weekend for being over the limit,” he said.
Smith added: “If you have been drinking and find yourself at the beach, do not enter the water. The ocean is a force of nature that shows no mercy to those with impaired judgement. When out with friends, be sure to keep your belongings under a watchful eye.
