Capetonians will have one more way to cool off when summer hits this year. Alcoholic lollies are about to hit our shores, but both the makers and authorities have warned that they are for adults only.

And the City of Cape Town says anyone seen sucking on the alcoholic lollies while driving will be prosecuted.

PJ Pops will be the first of its kind in South Africa and the suckers will go on sale in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape from September 1.

But parents have been warned to educate their children about the difference between the alcoholic version and normal suckers.

A concerned Patric Solomons from child rights group Molo Songololo says substance abuse among teens is a already a big problem.

“These new products must be clearly marked as an alcoholic beverage. Sale of such products must be prohibited to children and teenagers,” Solomons said.

The lollies are made from a blend of wines from an established wine estate in Franschhoek.

Natasha Alomia, director at manufacturers JML Consulting, says she and her business partner tried and tested the popsicles in her own kitchen to find a winning recipe'.

“Last year we were in the UK on business and came across a Champagne Popsicle at Fortnum & Mason. We loved the concept, but we wanted to make our own South African version as opposed to importing the range from overseas, as we believe that the wine and Cap Classique industry in South Africa has an incredible reputation.”

She adds that their range is “slightly less alcoholic than standard table wine”.

The suckers will be sold in the liquor aisles of major retail shops at R25 a pop.

The City Of Cape Town's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith warned that the wine suckers are no different from a bottle or glass of alcohol.

“The consumption of alcohol in a public place or a motor vehicle in any form is an offence. Driving under the influence of alcohol in whatever form remains an offence. The fact that you've consumed the alcohol through an ice lolly doesn't change the fact that you'll end up being over the legal limit,” Smith told EWN.

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