New Westbrook bottle store has tempers rising

Plans for a bottle store on the doorstep of the local Methodist church have sparked outrage in the usually quiet Westbrook community, known for its retirement village and tranquil surroundings.

The new bottle store at the Westbrook Boulevard centre in Strelitzia Place is less than 30 metres away from the church that has been there for 70 years.

The church has a congregation of more than 80, mostly elderly, people and holds a Sunday service, annual church activities, weekly meetings and events such as weddings and funerals.

The liquor store is currently being renovated by owner Vish Govender and according to other store owners at the centre, is set to open its doors soon.

DA Ward 53 Westbrook councillor Geoff Pullan said he had lodged a complaint with the liquor board last August when he found out there was an application to open a liquor store.

“I have received many complaints from Westbrook residents. Firstly, Westbrook is a residential area.

“Secondly, the bottle store is within 100 metres of the old age home and less than 30 metres away from the church.

“The by-laws state that alcohol cannot be sold closer than 500 metres from a place of worship or a school unless the store had been built first, and this is not the case now.”

Pullan said he had not received feedback from the KZN liquor board on his objection and was not aware the application for a liquor license had been approved.

“The owner was supposed to have brought the application to open a liquor store to the Tongaat SAPS and the community policing forum. They will be directly affected if there is any trouble caused by drunken people. But this has not yet been done. We have an amazing constitution in South Africa but it is a pity that it is often not followed.”

The Courier was unable to get a comment from the liquor board as the registered name of the liquor store could not be obtained from the owner.

However, a Westbrook resident and member of the Westbrook Methodist church for more than 20 years, who asked not to be named out of fear of victimisation, said she had personally lodged an objection with the liquor board but that the church leadership had missed the deadline.

“A few people from Westbrook have objected. Personally I find it disrespectful that a bottle store is opening so close to the church.

“What also concerns me is that during public holidays people are not allowed to drink at Westbrook beach. Police search the cars before they enter the beach. With a liquor store right here, people could buy alcohol and drink it in Westbrook before they go down to the beach,” she said. Another resident, Johann Fisher, said the issue had to be looked at practically.

“All we have to do is look at the local municipal by-laws and it will answer all the questions regarding church requirements.

“The next question should be what the residents of Westbrook need. Like in the old days a petrol station with a convenience store open 24 hours was an idea. This is where the whole Pandora’s box starts.

“Our local shop had been in the business for over 35 years and we love them, but a convenience store would have put them out of business. I do not think there is a need for a liquor store. Believe me, nobody would like a liquor store more than me, but we have to look at it practically.”

However, one of the store owners at the Boulevard centre, who did not wish to be named, said she thought the liquor store would be a valuable asset to local business.

“The owner promised he will make sure that there is no loitering or disturbance. The alcohol will be bought and taken away. There is currently a convenience store, a salon, a restaurant and a post office at the Boulevard centre.

“I think the bottle store will attract more customers. Furthermore, the church and residents had months to object and they did not. There was a notice placed outside the bottle store.”

The owner of the store, Vish Govender has declined to comment.

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