Second chance for community to object
The applicant was also present and represented by his lawyer and an assistant. The community of Observatory made six presentations and the board allowed almost all who were present the chance to speak.
The community of Observatory has been given a second chance to submit their objections to the proposed opening of a liquor outlet in the area.
The hearings took place at the office of the Gauteng MEC for Finance on February 4. The community was represented by Ward 66 Councillor, Carlos Da Rocha, Mr Joseph Dube who represented the Yeoville Community Police Forum (YCPF) and Mr Ace Maunatlala, who represented the Sector 3 CPF.
There were six Gauteng Liquor Board members at the meeting, as well as two residents who live opposite the proposed liquor store, one from the Observatory School for Girls, two from Urenia Village and a resident from Regent Street East.
The applicant was also present and represented by his lawyer and an assistant. The community of Observatory made six presentations and the board allowed almost all who were present the chance to speak.
The applicant’s lawyer was also given a chance to give their views. Clr Da Rocha pointed out that he had submitted 500 objections and the board had agreed that the community should be given a second chance to submit objections, if there were any.
Clr Da Rocha said the objections made sense.
“Why are there more objections needed? The message went across to the Liquor Board that there’s a school and an orphanage near the proposed place. I won’t even mention the problems with parking that would be created,” said Clr Da Rocha.
The Yeoville Sector 3 secretary, Mr Joseph Dube, said the area was already dealing with current problems and that no more were needed.
“The area is already plagued by rising incidents of sex-workers, uncontrolled littering and loud, noisy behaviour. The opening of a liquor outlet in Observatory will inevitably aggravate these problems the community is trying to resolve through street committees,” said Mr Dube. Clr Da Rocha felt strongly about the issue. “If they grant the liquor license, they would have to change the Liquor Act to make up for it,” said Clr Da Rocha.
Members of the community who wish to object can e-mail their objections to Ms Desiree Matolo on desirre.matolo@gauteng.gov.za and copy the lawyer in with the address mblom@iafrica.com. The closing date for objections is February 21, 2014.
An enquiry was sent to the applicant’s lawyer, Mr Blom, on February 7. No response was received at the time of going to print.
