Lights out for city nightclub?
LEGAL proceedings are being instituted against a city nightclub operating illegally.
The Loop, on the corner of Loop and Pepper streets in the city centre – believed to be owned by Sea Point businessman Mark Lifman – opened in December last year and has been operating without the necessary licences ever since.
Other business owners have also complained about the club, but said they would no longer be drawn into the fray as they had been intimidated as a result.
Lifman is presently involved in another court case regarding an unregistered security company which he funded.
Yesterday, Lifman’s attorney, William Booth, said his client owned many properties and businesses, but could not say whether Lifman also owned The Loop.
Local community newspaper The Capetowner reported that it was invited to attend the media launch of The Loop last year.
A public relations company said at the time that the club was owned by Lifman, along with Gareth Botha and WaiSzee Sing.
Richard Bosman, the city’s executive director of safety and security, confirmed that The Loop was operating illegally. “It is true that the club has been operating without an entertainment licence. To date, two fines for operating without an entertainment licence have been issued to the manager of the club.”
Bosman said members of the city’s health department initially inspected the club’s premises.
The first fine was issued in December.
“There’s a legal process that needs to be followed. At the moment, the law enforcement officers do not have the necessary authority to close the club,” he said.
Bosman said after legal proceedings had been finalised, the officers would be able to close the club.
“They are in consultation with the legal services and the process has begun,” he said.
Bosman said documentation had been submitted to the city’s legal department to summon the club’s owner for trading illegally.
He said the club did, however, have a temporary liquor licence.
Several people employed at various businesses have recently raised their concerns with the Cape Times about operations at The Loop.
All declined to be named for fear of their safety.
Among concerns was the noise level generated by the club at night.
Some said they had since been intimidated by the club’s bouncers and, as a result, had withdrawn from trying to get the club closed down.
Bosman urged anyone who felt threatened to contact the police.
Tasso Evangelinos, chief operations officer of the Central City Improvement District (CCID), said they were aware of the concerns regarding The Loop and had forwarded these to the city.