Underage drinking and loud music targeted

Complaints of loud music and under-age drinking led to a sting operation being carried out in Ballito on Friday night.

Umhlali SAPS’s visible policing unit and the KZN liquor authority visited Shakers and Mojo’s nightclubs and Salty’s and Hops restaurants.

Vispol operational commander captain Yogendran Maharaj said the unit had a busy night.
“At Shakers patrons had identification on them and nothing was out of order, so we were happy. However, we found three women did not have IDs in Mojos. Two of them showed us their IDs which were in their cars but one of them was unable to provide hers,” said Maharaj.

Captain Maharaj also visited restaurants who had been playing loud music without the correct licenses.
“Salty’s and Hops were both charged for not complying with the conditions of their restaurant licenses. They both allowed loud music and a dance floor on their premises, which they are not licensed for,” he said.

Mojos owner Duncan dos Reis believes the police are doing the right thing by checking up on local bars and restaurants.
“I am happy for them to check the premises but the only issue we had was with the three ladies thought to be underage, which we have now proved were above age,” he said.
“My only question is, why are places without licenses being allowed to operate? Some restaurants are open until 9pm, then operate as a nightclub afterwards without licenses. It is hard enough having three nightclubs right next to each other,” said Dos Reis.

Burger van Zyl, Hops’ owner, also agreed that these checks need to be done.

He paid a fine for playing loud music and said the restaurant would tone down the music levels.
“We are all trying our best to make a living and the local restaurants have been talking and helping each other out, which is something we have not done in the past. My only concern is that when underage drinkers are found, restaurants get fined and even shut down, while the kids gets away free. They need to work out a system where there are consequences for that behaviour,” said Van Zyl.