WARD 33 councillor Fran Kristopher has called for urgent intervention following the viral “street bash” which brought the Davenport and Weston Road precinct to a standstill on Saturday night (September 5).

Scores of partygoers had attended a birthday celebration at a popular bar which eventually spilled out onto Helen Joseph Road, gridlocking it.

“Every adjoining street to Davenport was blocked. The road itself became a street bash because the pubs and clubs had reached their capacity. This is completely unacceptable in a residential precinct,” said Kristopher.

She said this is indicative of how the situation has deteriorated to the point where surrounding residential streets are being swallowed by nightlife activity. Residents have reportedly logged repeated complaints, but concerns have been raised over the lack of meaningful responses to calls logged.

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Of particular concern is the reported response from Metro Police that there were no vehicles available to attend to complaints. Kristopher said the issue was not about preventing legitimate businesses from operating, but ensuring they complied with operating and liquor licence conditions while protecting residents’ safety and access.

She warned that overcrowded venues and patrons spilling onto streets could compromise emergency access, place pedestrians and motorists at risk and increase the potential for crime and disorder.

“Residents should not have to accept that their streets become an extension of entertainment venues simply because enforcement resources are unavailable. Businesses have rights, but so do residents. The right to operate a business does not give anyone the right to compromise the safety, health and quality of life of an entire community.”

Kristopher is calling for co-ordinated enforcement involving Metro Police, SAPS, municipal enforcement units and licensing authorities, as well as a review of residents’ complaints and call logs.

Metro Police had yet to comment at the time of publishing.

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