The Al Jama-ah party has formally objected to a liquor licence application by Checkers in Pinelands, seeking to block the first alcohol retail outlet in the area in over 100 years.
The objection was led by the party president and deputy minister for social development, Ganief Hendricks. He cited national responsibilities regarding substance abuse and his status as a local resident.
Evidence of alcohol harm
The submission relies on research from 45 countries and over 100 peer-reviewed studies. Al Jama-ah argues that liquor outlets increase incidents of gender-based violence across South Africa.
The party calls for the enforcement of the Final Cabinet Policy on Alcohol Harm Reduction. Delayed by nearly a decade, the policy suggests a 500-metre buffer between liquor stores and schools or churches. Recent court rulings in the Northern Cape have reinforced the authority of this policy framework.
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Protecting the community character
“Pinelands stands as a unique case in South Africa, having maintained a “dry suburb” status for over a century. The introduction of a liquor outlet is expected to fundamentally alter the character of the community and potentially introduce new socio-economic challenges,” the party said in a statement.
The Hendricks expressed his desire for other South African communities to follow this model. He believes that reduced alcohol availability benefits both suburban and township areas.
“Al Jama-ah calls on licensing authorities and relevant stakeholders to uphold the Final Cabinet Policy, prioritise public health and safety, and reject the proposed liquor license application.”
Image credit: Private Property
