Visitors’ joyful ways become residents’ horror
MELVILLE – Residents want more action and not just the presence of by-law enforcement agencies.
Residents question lack of lasting consequences for establishments and persons that continuously disobey by-laws.
With many restaurants, bars and other establishments in Melville providing an escape to those in Johannesburg, it, unfortunately, does leave a bitter taste in the mouths of residents in the area. Derek Milner is one of many residents that has begun to question the lack of consequences for the continuous illegal sales of liquor and drugs, public drinking and various by-law infringements by clubs and bars and their customers.
Milner also questioned the effectiveness of all the raids that have taken place over the year. “A few raids were held by the City, Liquor Board, Metro police and the police but we haven’t seen any improvements in the levels of disruption caused by the sources of our complaints.”
He went on to say that no illegally run establishments have been permanently closed as a result of the raids and residents are fed up with the state of disrespect towards them as homeowners. Residents are appreciative that the raids are happening but furious with the fact that the situation remains the same.
There is a group of business owners that are conducting their operations in legal and respectful manners, stated Milner. “We live in great harmony with some of the business but the others are operating outside of the law.”
In the past there were constructive meetings between residents and business but this interaction has reduced over the last few years. Milner also applauded the efforts of Ward 87 councillor Bridget Steer for always availing herself to assist residents with their related complaints and acknowledges her limited powers in the matter.
Another issue bothering residents is the extremely high density of establishments with liquor licences in a small area. Milner noted, “There are at least 40 liquor licences in a 1km radius of Melville. Why do we have so many in such a small space?”
Along with the Melville Residents Association, they question how and why there is still a need for new licences to be approved by the Gauteng Liquor Board.
Milner added that the answer to all these problems is readily available. “We need a renewed commitment from law enforcement agencies. Not just the presence but effective actions to reduce this. The City and police must institute legal proceedings against all non-complaint establishments.”
The Northcliff Melville Times has been trying to get a comment from the Gauteng Liquor Board on the issue since September. The board has not responded to any of the questions sent to them since then.
This is a developing story.
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