Residents worried about illegal shebeen

A shebeen in Dulcimer Street has been operating illegally without intervention from local authorities for at least four years.

“The shebeen was closed down in 2011 and roughly a year later started operating again,” said Mr Martin Hoare, a resident from Tasbet Park extension 2.

On May 31, 2010 an enquiry was made with regards to the liquor act and Mtukulu Tavern.
The business was charged with a number of contraventions of the liquor act including playing loud music at night in a residential area, not observing legal trading hours, allowing clientele to drink outside of the designated premises (ie: on the streets) and charges of public indecency by clientele, littering and illegal parking.

The owner of the shebeen was thus found guilty of all counts and the liquor license was suspended prohibiting liquor from being sold on that premises from July 9, 2010.

“I have been to the police a number of times and had meetings with the liquor squad, station commander, and liquor officers, yet nothing has been done,” said Hoare.

Hoare alleges that he was told by police that they would look into the matter, and according to Hoare there has been no intervention by police.

“According to police records the owner of the shebeen was issued a number of fines in regards to the liquor act, which she had paid under admission of guilt, additionally she has been arrested on four occasions for selling liquor without a license, her liquor was also confiscated,” said Capt Eddie Hall, police spokesperson.

The four dockets against the woman have been withdrawn from the court, the notice of her liquor license suspension was handed to her in writing and she had to acknowledge receipt of the liquor board suspension by signing the document which can now be used against her in the court.

“The police will continue to conduct crime prevention operations addressing the selling of liquor without a license at that premises, should the public have any information regarding the selling of liquor illegally they can contact Col Jacobus van der Westhuizen on 082 335 9858,” said Capt Hall.