Tavern’s licence temporarily suspended
|Published
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Cape Town - The liquor licence of the Khayelitsha tavern Osi’s Place, where eight young women died after stampede in June, has been temporarily suspended.
During a brief hearing on Thursday morning, the licence holder agreed to a temporary suspension, the office of Alan Winde, the Western Cape MEC of Economic Opportunities, said.
Thursday’s engagement was in advance of a full hearing at which the Western Cape Liquor Authority will apply to the Liquor Licencing Tribunal for further sanctions.
These sanctions may include the revoking of the licence, a fine, further suspension or stricter trading conditions.
The hearing is set for August 17.
Winde welcomed the suspension and said the outcome of Thursday’s hearing was a not only a victory for the Liquor Authority, but also for the community of Khayelitsha and so many others “affected by irresponsible traders”.
The Western Cape Liquor Authority brought an urgent application to temporarily suspend the establishment’s liquor licence following the incident at the establishment in June.
Six women died on the scene after the stampede at the tavern, with two others being killed in a car crash on their way to hospital. The victims were between 15 and 23 years old.
“This is a warning to all traders who bring harm to communities in the Western Cape - we will not tolerate irresponsible behaviour. We will take swift action against you and you will be shut down,” Winde said.
“Licence holders who contravene liquor laws are putting their patrons in danger. The Western Cape Liquor Authority will continue to work with the City of Cape Town and the SAPS to conduct regular enforcement operations at legal establishments. Apart from routine operations, the Liquor Authority hosts awareness sessions with residents, traders and the private sector to outline the dangers of alcohol abuse and the legal responsibilities of traders.”
Cape Argus