Things To Get Tougher For Noisy Liquor Establishments
…repeat offenders will have their liquor licences either suspended or not renewed
In a move to clamp down on continued instances of noise pollution emanating from liquor establishments that are located within the Manzini urban boundary, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade has resolved that the Municipality would, going forward, form part of decision-making as to renewal or non-renewal of their licences. Noise pollution from liquor establishments is one of the key challenges in the City of Manzini and efforts by the Municipality to abate same seem not to be yielding the desired results due to lack of cooperation from offenders. In the process, residents continue to endure unwarranted disturbance of peace in their neighbourhoods.
The resolution to step-up gear was announced by the Ministry last month during an engagement meeting that was attended by close to 40 liquor establishment operators at the Manzini civic centre. It was further resolved during the meeting that the Municipality should continue conducting inspections and make it a point that non-complying liquor establishments, particularly with respect to noise pollution, are served with warning notices. The notices would be shared with the Liquor Board so that they serve as one of the key considerations on whether or not the licence is renewed. The Ministry’s Chief Commercial Officer, Sonto Hlophe, highlighted the importance of compliance with the Liquor Licencing Regulations, 1964. She stated that, as a Ministry, they worked collaboratively with municipalities and the Royal Eswatini Police Service towards ensuring compliance with the Regulations. It was further resolved that, henceforth, liquor establishments that have been granted permission to operate beyond normal closing times would be compelled to notify the Municipality and the police of same; and present evidence to that effect. Manzini Police Station Desk Officer Mphatsi Shabangu vowed that police would continue to fine non-complying liquor establishments.
It is expected that this move would restore peace in the city, particularly on weekends. Residents are urged to continue reporting noise pollution in the neighbourhoods through the Municipality’s 24/7 Call Centre (800 2004/2505 7000).