CBD nightclub closed
Contraventions listed on the notice include non-compliance with the municipal health laws, incorrect zoning in terms of city planning and non-compliance with the national noise control regulations.
After a two year investigation, an Edenvale CBD nightclub owned and operated by Nigerian nationals has been closed down.
A closure notice was issued by officials from Ekurhuleni’s health and town planning departments, members of the Edenvale SAPS, officers from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) and executive members of the Edenvale Community Police Forum (ECPF) on Thursday.
Contraventions listed on the notice include non-compliance with the municipal health laws, incorrect zoning in terms of city planning and non-compliance with the national noise control regulations.
The club also did not comply with the Tobacco Control Act.
The NEWS has been inundated on numerous occasions with complaints from residents in the Avenues about excessive noise levels emanating from the club over weekends.
According to SAPS officials on the scene, when noise complaints were attended to, club management would simply turn the music down until officers left the premises.
Officers were also told that the club did not own any sound equipment.
On Thursday, when the NEWS accompanied officials on the special operation to close the club down, several large speakers and a mixing desk were found in a room believed to be the club’s office.
But loud music at the club was not the only reason for its closure.
Owners of the club had, on several occasions, been issued with health bylaws contravention notices and issued with fines.
Following each notice issued, owners were given 28 days to rectify issues found.
“After 28 days, the kitchen would be up to scratch again and the business was allowed to continue trading,” said the chairperson for the ECPF, Mrs Linda McKenzie.
She added that it was only through the combined investigation of all parties, including town planning, which resulted in the final closure of the club.
While on scene, it was also found that a number of people sleep on the premises every night. A double bed was also discovered in a make-shift office on the property.
The club will only be allowed to operate again once it complies with all municipal bylaws.
