Cape Town Liquor Outlet Loses Licence

A Woodstock tavern where drugs were allegedly being sold has become the third outlet to lose its licence under the new Western Cape Liquor Act.

Following an investigation by the SAPS in conjunction with the Western Cape Liquor Authority, the Rainbow Tavern in Albert Road, has had its licence revoked with immediate effect.

Alan Winde, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, explained that SAPS Woodstock had received several complaints from the public relating to allegations of drug use, possession of drugs and the allegations.

SAPS have made arrests with regard to the criminal allegations. The case is still under investigation.

Rainbow Tavern was one of several establishments Minister Winde visited earlier this month during a routine inspection of liquor outlets in Woodstock.

Minister Winde explained that the Liquor Authority investigated whether the premises had broken any of the province’s liquor laws.

"As this is a licensed outlet, the Western Cape Liquor Authority investigated the matter and an application to revoke the licence was brought before the Liquor Licencing Tribunal at the start of this month. During the hearing it was found that the licence holder had sold his licence to two other people, who managed the business but had not been appointed in terms of the Liquor Act.”

Minister Winde said the licence was revoked on Tuesday, 19 November 2013, with immediate effect.

The licence holder has 60 days to lodge an appeal with the LLT appeals tribunal.

In the previous financial year, the Liquor Authority held 2 306 inspection to ensure licenced outlets were following the province’s liquor laws.

Closing down unlicenced outlets remains the responsibility of the SAPS.