Alcoholic beverage being poured. Photo as illustration.
The decision is still pending on a proposed sports bar in Oakdene, Kuils River – in the same building used by churches and down the road from the mosque.
The proposal was met with resistance from residents, religious institutions, and community groups. In October last year, Subcouncil 14 recommended that the liquor licence application not be approved.
The application was submitted by Long Sports Bar (Pty) Ltd for a consumption-on-premises liquor licence at 2 Laurence Dale Road. According to the report submitted at the subcouncil meeting on 12 October it was not supported on the grounds that it is not in the public interest and also that parking (at the premises) would be an issue.
During the public participation process, numerous objections were submitted by residents, the Oakdene Residents Association, churches, the Kuils River Islamic Society, and members of the ward 11 committee.
Concerns mentioned the proposed bar’s proximity to churches, the mosque, and schools – two (Western Cape Sports School and Rouxville Primary) are within a one-kilometre radius. Kingdom of God Ministries International and Assemblies of God are tenants in the same building.
Residents raised concerns about potential increases in crime, noise, drunk driving, and antisocial behaviour. Many pointed out that the area already struggles with drug and alcohol abuse and argued that a liquor outlet would worsen these problems.
A ‘pit stop’
A ward committee member pointed out that the location is on a pedestrian route from the railway station to Sarepta and Kalkfontein. “Given our history of alcohol abuse in our poorer communities, this place could become a ‘pit stop’ for many on their way home. This could lead to them becoming vulnerable to being mugged by opportunistic criminals or even elevate their inebriated state into disruption when getting home.”
Several residents highlighted that there are many senior citizens in the surrounding neighbourhoods.
“Our area is a very family-oriented area, filled with a lot of elderly people and children, that needs to be protected.”
Resident’s objection
The subcouncil report mentioned the application was supported by the City’s planning departments (Town Planning and Land Use Management), as the zoning (General Business 2) of the property permits the sale of liquor. Jean Mampofu from Law Enforcement also supported the application (no reason stated). No response was received from the City’s health and emergency services.
The Oakdene Residents Association and civic organisation Highbury Foundation were among objectors who made oral submissions at the Liquor Licence Tribunal hearing of the Western Cape Liquor Authority (WCLA) on Monday 7 July, to determine whether or not the licence for the bar will be granted.
Objections
Wouter de Vos, ward 11 councillor, Sgt Tshepang Hoffman, sector 2 commander from Kuils River Police, and Aldrich Burmeister, ward 11 committee member (safety and security) also made submissions at the hearing.
Winston Middleton from Highbury Foundation said their response “embraced input of several local community organisations and structures, faith-based institutions, and concerned community members of Kuils River.”
“The interest of the communities that will be affected by the proposed sports bar extends far beyond Oakdene, contrary to what is stated in the (liquor) application. It includes the whole of Sarepta, Des Hamden, Voëlvlei, Kalkfontein, Danarand, Highbury, Highbury Park, and beyond,” Middleton said.
The core legal test is whether the licence serves the public interest and not merely private commercial interest.”
Winston Middleton
Their response pointed out there are around 14 licensed on-site consumption outlets and 19 off-consumption outlets in the Kuils River CBD. They argued that future plans and developments should also be considered, including proposals for the open erf between Opstal and Laurence Dale roads, alongside the mosque.
“There are proposals for a housing development of 180 BNG (Breaking New Ground) houses, and another for a multi-purpose development for education, health and seniors,” Middleton said. “A residence for about 200 UWC students is expected to be opened at the block of flats next to the railway line.”
Adjourned
Highbury Foundation’s response noted a report by Kuils River Police’s Liquor Officer (dated 16 October 2024), that pointed to drug trafficking, substance abuse, and related crimes in the area of the proposed bar; the impact of crime in Oakdene; and that granting a liquor licence would not be in the public interest with respect to religious organisations, residential blocks of flats with adults and young people, and school learners – all in close proximity to the proposed liquor outlet.
After the hearing on Monday, Middleton said that the applicant requested crime statistics to be shared with the tribunal to enable an informed decision.
“The sector commander (Sgt Hoffman) spoke about the crime trends in Kuils River and the particular area but it is seen as speculation without any statistics to back it up.”
The hearing was adjourned and will be resumed at a later date (after 21 July).
After the next hearing, the tribunal will need to give a ruling within 14 days, Middleton said.
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