Comments on: New Western Cape Liquor Bill

By: Kevin

Kevin — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 07:57:56 +0000

Hi all
Just an update on the Comments. As a Club owner I have noticed an significant increase in the use of taxis by the under 40 patrons who frequent my venue. We are actively stopping already drunk people from entering the venue and making sure their friends take them home or attempt to sober them up. We have a strict no under 18 policy and there has been increase in fake id’s we catch at the entrance. A problem the Government and councils should address more thoroughly is “house parties” where minors are binge drinking (in most cases with the knowledge of older siblings or parents) and openly advertising the fact on Facebook or Twitter. There are certain establishments in town where the Bouncer has an understanding with kids, and for cash will let them in. I know of a few cases where this occurs.
We in Cape Town are experiencing a sharp increase in Road Blocks and one glaring fact is the amount of Drunk Drivers they are catching between 4pm and 12 midnight. Whilst the 3 to 4am drivers will always be a problem we have a bigger one when drivers leave a rugby/football match Drunk and present a danger to larger numbers of people on the roads in the early evening.
I am comfortable with a time restriction on the sale of liquor I believe closing the club at that time is more dangerous. Rather keep the party going and let people sober up and calm down before they head home. One of the changes the law will make is closing the club at the same time that bar sales cease. Something to think about.

Thanks for the opportunity to have my say.

By: Amy Boonzaier

Amy Boonzaier — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:25:48 +0000

Hi Andrew

I’m sorry to hear about your friend. I hope he gets better.

I can’t help but get emotional when the topic of alcohol comes up but I do understand from a tourism and business point of view it might not be the best thing for the economy.

One can only hope and pray that solutions are found to minimize the negative effects in all sectors.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:29:07 +0000

Just to add to that, just a few days ago I had to check one of my close friends into a rehab clinic because he had become dependant on alcohol which led to him becoming depressed and suicidal.

Seeing one of the most talented people I know slowly destroying his life was by far the most tragic thing that I’ve ever witnessed. But to think that his problem could have been prevented by the government simultaneously handicapping the local tourism industry & preventing responsible young people in urban centres from enjoying themselves until late in the evening is ludicrous.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:43:16 +0000

No one is denying that there is a very real problem with alcohol abuse in the poorer communities. However, Long Street’s night-life is virtually another planet compared to all of that.

And you are absolutely right, excessive drinking is a disgusting and repulsive habit. However, most of the people that will be affected by this law are the people with the self discipline to not drink like an idiot.

I’m sorry to hear that you are a survivor of alcohol abuse, but do you honestly think for a second that your life would be any different people weren’t allowed to stay out late on a Friday in Long Street?

By: Amy Boonzaier

Amy Boonzaier — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:33:16 +0000

Most of the people on this thread should be ashamed of themselves. Excessive drinking is a disgusting and repulsive habit.

I am a victim of alcohol abuse. I’m from an area called Parkwood, which is a microcosm of the socio-economic problems in South Africa.

My father had passed away when I was 12 and was forced to drop out of school because I had to play mother to my 3 year old sister until age 16 while my mother was at the shebeen down the road maintaining her habit 24/7. Luckily for us a good neighbour had contacted social services & had us placed in a foster home.

Today I am 33 years old. Married to a wonderfull man & have 3 beautifull kids. My sister is married as with 2 kids & is living a beautifull life, Thank GoD!

IT IS EASY FOR MIDDLE CLASS PEOPLE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE LAWS IMPOSED ON THEM WHEN THEY LIVE PRIVLEDGED LIVES>

**So what if you dont get to drink until 4AM – It’s a mere inconvenience thats all!

CONSIDER THE DAMAGING EFFECTS it has on poorer communities. Even if this law just changes 1 life for the better…is it not worth it?

By: kevin

kevin — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 12:44:01 +0000

The link to the FB page is at the top of the blog
Looks like the council are off to lick their wounds and iron out the flaws in their ByLaw.

By: Chris M

Chris M — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 12:30:16 +0000

Good question Andrew, let’s hope Kevin comes back and shares!

By: Andrew

Andrew — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 12:23:09 +0000

What’s the link to the official Facebook page Kevin?

By: Chris M

Chris M — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 12:18:22 +0000

Interesting, that’s not a bad following at all, how’s it going?

By: Kevin

Kevin — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 11:56:58 +0000

Check out the group now.
24000+ members and we are fighting the law in High Court.