Our community in Ward 5 Nelson Mandela Bay Metro is at its wit's end with new permits and licences being granted to liquor establishments by the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBMM) and the Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB).

We are constantly disturbed by noise, crime and dirt associated with the increasing number of liquor outlets in our area. These establishments break the peace, and the law.

There is no monitoring and control of the many existing on-site and off-site consumption liquor establishments.  If there is no capacity or will to hold existing law-breaking establishments - we have no faith the new ones will be held accountable either.

Many establishments are selling alcohol illegally imported with no action by South African Revenue Services Customs.

There are too many outlets selling alcohol. With Uber Eats and Mr. Delivery - alcohol is even more widely available, so issuing new licences and permits is IRRESPONSIBLE.

Our area is a hotbed of disorder and crime. The correlation between alcohol availability and crime rates is well-documented; a study conducted by the South African Medical Research Council found that areas with more alcohol outlets tend to have higher levels of violent crime.

We have a dense student population and alcohol puts their safety and academic careers in jeopardy. Many students are targets of crime and victims of rape and assault. 

Moreover, littering, public drinking, and public urination from these establishments has significantly contributed to environmental degradation in our city. This tarnishes the beauty of our area, which is a tourist attraction.  The filthy and contaminated streets are serious health risks to residents.

We understand that businesses have a right to operate; however, we believe it should not be at the expense of community health and safety.

We urge the NMBMM and ECLB to REJECT FUTURE PERMITS AND LICENCES  for on and off-site liquor establishments in Ward 5.

By signing this petition, you will help us send a clear message: enough is enough. It's time for our voices to be heard and for action to be taken against further disruption caused by excessive liquor establishments in Nelson Mandela Bay. Please sign this petition today!