Zero 13 promises to quiet down

MBOMBELA – The new liquor act, which came into effect in 2015, has largely been blamed for causing consternation among residents in what is usually a quiet Riverside Park City Improvement District.

Zero 13 opened its doors in Riverside in May. It was granted a liquor licence by the Mpumalanga Liquor Authority that allows it to trade until 04:00 every day. They do not, but the place of entertainment, being located in what was formerly a car dealership, has been raising the hackles of some of the nearby Garden Pavilion residents.

The lounge is located in premises that are zoned to allow a restaurant, “a place of refreshment”, rather than one of “entertainment,” explained Renate Scholle, Riverside Park CID manager.

She recently intervened to mediate between the irate residents and Zero 13 owners to develop a management policy that will benefit all parties.

Included in the agreement is that Zero 13 will implement noise-abatement measures, security to discourage unsavoury elements, and to curtail operating hours.

Co-owner, Sipho Mapalala explained that the City of Mbombela recommended the operating hours to the Liquor Authority. He added that they have been operating for fewer hours after they received complaints.

Zero 13 generally trades until 21:00 from Monday to Friday, 02:00 on weekend nights and 22:00 on Sundays. They have started avoiding booking DJs on Sundays, “to reduce the noise level. People have to work on Mondays, after all,” Mapalala added.

“I think it is reasonable and generous of the residents,” Scholle noted. For her it is important that the sound be contained in the building. It has a mostly glass exterior, and open spaces. Mapalala explained that they were awaiting a contractor’s recommendations on how to best soundproof the building. “It is natural for lounges to attract both good and bad customers,” Scholle added. “Their responsibility extends beyond their doors. I think they have taken to heart that they need good security to police their patrons who would make trouble in the neighbourhood.”

Renate added that they did not want anyone moving out of the node, hence they needed a win-win solution. “We want a path forward that works for everybody.” Mapalala added that he was happy to make the adjustments and investment required.

“It has had an impact on my business, with people complaining when we close earlier. But as with any new business, you have to be prepared to pump some money into it to make money. Your clients have to be happy with the place, and that includes your neighbours. As a lifestyle centre we want to add to how people live, and that means teaching them. Patrons will get used to us closing earlier. We believe we can change people’s behaviour.” Scholle concluded, “I will feel very positive when we see action leading to a win-win.”

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