Public drinking chases customers away
The business owner said the worst days are Fridays and Saturdays where bottles are left outside their premises, forcing them to clean up the mess.
Businesses on Fourth Street are desperate for the police and the EMPD to enforce by-laws around public drinking.
The businesses, which have been operating in the area for over 20 years, claim the presence of two liquor outlets on the street is chasing their customers away.
“Their establishments are open at all hours of the day, playing music loudly. Their customers don’t drink inside, but instead, sit outside on the pavement and drink.
Also read: Vischkuil business left counting the costs after robbery
“They then leave their bottles where people are supposed to walk and leave the whole street a mess. Our customers are afraid to come to our shops because of what’s happening,” said a business owner.
The business owner said the worst days are Fridays and Saturdays where bottles are left outside their premises, forcing them to clean up the mess.
“It’s not safe for my staff to be cleaning up after the liquor outlets’ customers. Who knows what is on those bottles.
“I’ve had this shop for a very long time. I can’t afford to go anywhere else,” said the owner.
Also read: Businesses feel the impact of Covid-19
The owner would like to see the police and EMPD take stronger action against the liquor outlets and their customers.
“I’ve got no problem with their business, I just want them to follow the rules so we can all do business here.”
The police and the EMPD did not respond to the Advertiser’s request for comment at the time of publication.
Follow us on our social media platforms:
