KIBLER PARK – A KIBLER Park resident claimed that lately, listening to the television in their home had become a luxury ever since Katz Pub opened its doors.
Mr Sujee alleged that loud music blares late into the night on weekdays and on weekends from the pub formerly known as Mr Kibbles.
“We live approximately 500 meters from Katz Pub. The pub plays loud music over weekends. The noise from the loud music disturbs our evenings and nights. We cannot concentrate and listen to the television in our own home. The loud blaring music continues late into the night,” said Mr Sujee.
According to the frustrated resident… “It seems the local law enforcement doesn’t wish to do anything.”
Mr Sujee decided to approach the CHRONICLE for assistance to bring his appeal to the authorities.
Mondeor SAPS were contacted to verify whether the resident had indeed followed the proper reporting structures and laid a complaint before approaching the newspaper.
What the complainant had to do was to report the matter to Mondeor SAPS, so that there was a record of the complaint, then report the matter to JMPD and the Ward Councillor and give authorities an opportunity to handle the matter. Although the SAPS had been notified of the matter and responded, their reach was limited.
Mondeor SAPS Communication Officer, Constable Sibongile Elizabeth Mnguni explained that the SAPS do attend to issues in residential areas about loud noise; however, all they can do is request the pub owner to turn down the music.
If more complaints are received and the accused is found to be at fault, with the third incident the music equipment can be confiscated.
According to Constable Mnguni, JMPD have relevant equipment to test whether a business had exceeded the acceptable noise levels as stipulated under municipal bylaws. The councillor, after he has received the complaint report, can then work with authorities to make sure that both parties resolve the matter amicably.
Upon recommendation by the CHRONICLE, Mr Sujee notified JMPD and said that he noticed a reduction in noise levels.
Katz Pub owner Bev Hardaker was contacted for comment and challenged Mr Sujee’s claims. She confirmed that JMPD had been to the pub to test noise levels and notified her that there had been a complaint by a resident.
Metro Police Officers did not confiscate or fine the pub for contravening bylaws. However, Ms Hardaker said that due to their consideration of residents’ needs, they are always careful not to disturb the peace in the area.
“When they (JMPD) came we requested the entertainers to turn the music down and we closed the windows,” said Ms Hardaker.
“Obviously we are sensitive to residents, but we are a business and we do take measures to be considerate to residents. In order for business to work we need to get entertainers,” she continued.
Katz Pub’s operating license allows the business to function until 02:00, although the closing time depends on the events on the evening. Ms Hardaker said that sometimes they closed at 21:00 and at other times at 02:00.
Employees at the bar said that on weekdays they operate until 21:00 or 22:00, but on weekends the latest they close is at 02:00.
Workers at the businesses next to Katz Pub, which also operate until 22:00, reported that they do not hear the music from the pub during operating hours and that the music does not interfere with their business.
