Suspension of licence for ‘death tavern’ welcomed
A RECENT DECISION to suspend the liquor licence of a Khayelitsha “death tavern”, Osi’s Place, has been welcomed by civil society activists and the provincial government.
Last week, six young women were killed at Osi’s – also known as Osawa’s Tavern – when a metal railing gave way after a stampede.
Two other women, who were injured in the collapse, were killed when the car taking them to hospital crashed.
The ANC in the Western Cape has also called for donations to aid the bereaved families of the young women who lost their lives.
Provincial leader Marius Fransman said in a statement: “The need of poor people in times like this is immense… I call on everyone who can assist those families with funeral costs. Their burials are now a priority and any help or donation will be appreciated.”
Yesterday, a tribunal temporarily suspended the tavern’s liquor licence with the agreement of its owner, Phumlani Abraham.
The head of the Social Justice Coalition, Chumile Sali, welcomed the decision. “We call on unlicensed shebeens to learn from this,” he said.
“There are more than 1 400 in Khayelitsha alone.
“We appeal that they approach the liquor authority and apply so that they can abide by the law.”
MEC of Economic Opportunities, Alan Winde, said the outcome was a victory for the liquor authority and for the community of Khayelitsha.
“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.”
The Western Cape Liquor Authority are applying for a range of sanctions against the tavern, which could include revoking or further suspending its licence, a fine or stricter trading conditions.
Spokesman for the liquor authority, Philip Prinsloo, said it believed its case would succeed at a full hearing scheduled for August 17.
“We will prepare accordingly and we are confident that we will win with the information that we have. We have a strong case,” he said.
“There is a bigger investigation being done by the police and we will focus on the contravening of the Western Cape Liquor Act and its conditions.”