Pinelands residents question Checkers' liquor Licence application
A new Checkers store in Pinelands, is currently under construction on the corner of Bowlers Way and Howard Drive.
Image: Wesley Ford
Pinelands residents have voiced concerns following a liquor licence application submitted by a new Checkers store under construction in the suburb.
The store, developed by Shoprite Checkers Pty Ltd, is situated on the corner of Bowlers Way and Howard Drive, and is expected to be completed by the end of November.
The company confirmed they had applied last month, noting that such applications form part of its standard business operations where permitted by law.
“Each application is subject to a formal regulatory process, which enables the authorities to assess it on its merits, taking into account local regulations and any public input received,” the company said in a statement.
It added that all comments and objections are considered in line with legislative requirements before a final decision is made.
According to a statement shared by the Pinelands Ratepayers and Residents Association (PRRA), it said that as a business, Checkers is simply doing its due diligence.
The PRRA said it took the time to understand the processes and shared the information with residents in various forms, including WhatsApp groups, email, and the PRRA information hub WhatsApp Channel.
There was also an in-person meeting and an online video to help inform residents.
Opposition to the application has, however, been expressed by the Pinelands Community Policing Forum (CPF).
Chairperson, Marietta Hopley, said the CPF does not support the issuing of a liquor licence, reiterating its commitment to maintaining Pinelands’ long-standing status as a “dry suburb”.
“In our view, the introduction of retail liquor outlets is incompatible with current land use and the safety standards we strive to uphold,” she said, adding that the CPF’s mandate includes identifying potential contributors to crime.
Ward 53 councillor Riad Davids echoed this stance, highlighting the suburb’s more than 100-year history of restricting alcohol sales.
He called on the retailer to respect this legacy and withdraw its application, noting that other major retailers have done so in the past.
Residents have until May 6, to submit their comments and objections, which can be done via email at [email protected] or delivered to their physical address at Western Cape Liquor Authority, 3 Old Paarl Road, Bellville, Sunbel Building, 3rd Floor.