Tavern in close proximity to schools opens despite protests against it

Learners bunking classes to hang around shebeens and taverns is a common for local schools. A tavern that recently opened its doors in Connor Street has gravely worried Principal of Estcourt Secondary School Ms Jordan.

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It is against the by-laws for a liquor outlet to be in operation within 500 metres of schools and places of worship. Ms Jordan along with Mrs Ngwenya, principal of Estcourt Primary School who shares these concerns, has acted on this.

They have since handed in written objections at the Liquor Board in Ladysmith and went to testify in person against the licensing request that had been published in the newspaper. That is not all; they have been religiously corresponding with police awaiting positive feedback.

The principals together with a local legal practitioner Advocate JB Sookraj, whose office is in close proximity to the tavern, were informed by reliable sources that the application for the tavern was denied by the local liquor board after hearing their testimony and submissions.

It seems as if the licence was therefore obtained through dubious means, which will be reported to the HAWKS for investigation as a registered pre-school is situated a mere 200m away from the tavern.

To Ms Jordan’s surprise the tavern is open and operational. She has requested police to follow this up in order to direct her accordingly.

“As a school, we will not stand for this establishment! This is unacceptable.We even presented a map to the Board of the Liquor Establishments that shows areas surrounding the school, a mosque and churches,” she said firmly.

Mrs Ngwenya and Ms Jordan fear that underage learners could consume alcohol, leading to alcohol abuse or alcohol addiction and involvement in other social ills.

“We are very surprised that even after stating our case, the tavern opened.This is very sad because we will find our children there in uniform on a Friday and we do not want that,” added Mrs Ngwenya.

More importantly, they are fearful that the drinking spot, hardly 500 meters away, will affect teaching and learning.
They remain hopeful that this serious concern is not taken lightly and will be treated with urgency ahead of schools reopening next year.

These concerns have been directed to Ladysmith Liquor Board for their attention.

SEE THIS: Man shot at Connor Street tavern

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