Ratepayers vow to keep Pinelands dry

We will keep on fighting to keep Pinelands a dry town.

This was the message of Pinelands Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association chairman John Berry during the association’s annual general meeting at the town hall on Monday October 31.

Mr Berry, who has served as chairman for 24 years, said they would continue objecting to liquor stores trying to come into the area. Pinelands traditionally is a “dry” area, with no liquor stores in the suburb.

“With all the social ills associated with alcohol, the ratepayers will always advocate to be dry and will assist other suburbs who also to attain this status,” he said.

According to an article on the Pinelands History website by former ward councillor Brian Watkyns, Pinelands and Fish Hoek had a national reputation of being the only major suburbs in the country, seen as “dry” with no bottle stores. Fish Hoek had a legal restriction, which was overcome in recent years. However, in Pinelands, where there is no legal restriction, the suburb remains “dry”.

In 1952, the issue of a liquor licence in Pinelands was raised for the first time. It was for a bottle store at Howard Centre, but in 1953 the board of directors of Garden Cities decided not to proceed with the application.

Pinelands continued to oppose any type of liquor licence and in 1972 opposed an application by the Spur restaurant known then as “the Lone Spur”. Later, when the Spur changed to Cincinnati Spur, they successfully obtained their licence. Residents opposed a licence application by the restaurant, Magica Roma, in 1987, which led to a fierce debate in council, which voted not to support the application. In 1994, Pick n Pay considered applying for a grocers licence, but this was strongly opposed by the Howard Centre Tenants Association and they did not apply.

“1995 became a key year for liquor licence applications. It all started with Little Italy restaurant at Howard Centre applying for a licence, which was supported by the majority of Howard Centre Tenants Association members. As a result of this change, Mr Watkyns conducted a survey on alcohol being sold in Pinelands. Ninety-six percent of residents opposed a bottle store, while 88% opposed liquor sales in supermarkets. However, the poll showed a marked shift in public opinion regarding restaurants, with 64% of the respondents now in favour of liquor being sold at restaurants with a meal,” the article states.

Over the years, many outlets have tried applying for liquor licences, including the Kwikspar at Central Square, 7-Eleven, Woolworths, Pick n Pay and the Pick n Pay Express store.

The first application for a bar was made in 2016 for an on-consumption licence at Clyde Pinelands Soccer Club. Initially it was thought to be a facility for club members and visiting teams, which would add to the club’s income, but it became apparent that it was a private venture, hiring an area of the clubhouse which was leased from the City of Cape Town. The licence was to establish a bar catering for the public but the application was abandoned.

Speaking on the past financial year, Mr Berry said it was filled with ups and downs, and frustrations. He said there were a number of new members, members who left and some who had died. Mr Berry, however, said it was an exciting time for the ratepayers with lots of challenges.

“We have a few new committees which we will assist to keep our garden city status. We are also hoping that the Pinelands City Improvement District are successful in their bid to establish a CID to help make Pinelands a safer area.”

Mr Berry thanked the members of the executive committee for their hard work and efforts during the year.

Speaking on environmental health issues, Aslam Clark said noise pollution emanating from the Ndabeni industrial area remained a problem, 20 years later.

“The noise from the area continues unabated despite numerous complaints lodged. The last noise measurement was done in June, but we are still waiting on the results from the City. We have engaged an environmental attorney to assist in holding the City’s environmental health department accountable. Oude Molen Eco Village and the BP garage remain a problem with the loud music disturbing residents over weekends,” he said.

Carol Clark, from the building plans and heritage portfolio, said they received more than 150 building plans during the past financial year with half of these in the heritage protection overlay zones.

“I don’t know how many plans are received in other areas, but Pinelands seems a busy area as people extend their homes, move out with new people moving in and upgrading the said homes,” she said.

Ms Clark said while they rejected some applications, the decision was eventually overturned by the Municipal Planning Tribunal.

Mr Berry was re-elected as chairman. Marilynn McNamara is the vice-chair and head of the parks and open spaces portfolio, Emily Bolton is the secretary, Yazied Davids is the assistant secretary, Nasir Adam is the treasurer, Mr Clark is the assistant treasurer and head of the environmental portfolio, Ms Clark is in charge of building plans and heritage, Desray Britz is in charge of public relations, Kabelo Mashile is in charge of social development and Paul Holdsworth has the City services portfolio.