Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2013-12-13

The Western Cape Liquor Board has won its case against Muslim organisations that objected to the issuing of a liquor licence to a nightclub about to open opposite the Palm Tree masjid in Long Street.

The board decided to issue the licence after hearing both objections from the organisations as well as motivation from the club's owner, businessman Mark Lifman, according to an article by Voice of the Cape.

City Bowl ward councillor Dave Bryant said he supported the findings of the tribunal.

Bryant said he wasn’t part of the liquor tribunal itself, because as ward councillor, he was separate to the process. But his understanding is that the tribunal couldn’t find any grounds to not grant the liquor licence.

This was based mainly on the location of the outlet. “I think mostly the proximity to other bars and clubs in the area of Long Street,” added Bryant. He said Long Street is a difficult one, as there are residential components in Long Street. It is smaller in comparison to the business and the clubbing component.

“There was an issue last year with a bar that wanted to open in Bo Kaap right next door to a mosque. I was quite vocal when it came to that application in saying that I didn’t feel that, that was suitable due to the fact that it is in the Bo Kaap which is a traditionally Muslim area and the fact that is was right next door to the mosque,” added Bryant.

He said the application was withdrawn and that it was a victory for the community.

On the other hand, Long Street is a complex situation because of the fact that over time it had established itself into a centre for restaurants, clubs and places of entertainment.

Bryant said it was difficult to say no to one club on these grounds, then one would have to more than likely say no to the other establishments in the surrounds. “I think that may have been the grounds for the liquor tribunal upholding the original granting of the licence.” – VOC.

(Twitter: @Faizie143)