PETITION AGAINST THE TRANSFER OF A GAMBLING LICENSE & APPLICATION FOR A TAVERN LIQUOR LICENSE IN HARTSWATER

We, the undersigned residents, parents, business owners, community leaders and concerned citizens of Hartswater, hereby lodge our strong objection to the proposed transfer of a gambling license & the application of a tavern liquor license to operate at ERF 998, 2 GERT LUBBE STREET, HARTSWATER (formerly known as Andrina’s Algemene Handelaar). 

Our objection is based on the grounds recognised by the Northern Cape Liquor Act, 2008 and the Northern Cape Gambling Act, 2008, which require both Boards to consider whether the granting or transfer of such licences is in the public interest, considering issues of crime, social welfare, health, safety, and the suitability of the premises – especially as Hartswater already suffers from severe challenges related to crime, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, social instability and financial hardship.

The location of the proposed site itself is wholly unsuitable for a tavern and gambling establishment. The building is situated in close proximity to the main road, the Connie Vorster hospital, a retirement home and the taxi rank – an area already regarded as a crime hotspot. Placing a gambling and liquor outlet in this location will increase risks to public safety, endanger vulnerable people, and create further instability in a part of town that should rather be safeguarded and supported.

We firmly believe that the introduction of a new gambling establishment combined with liquor sales at a new tavern, will cause further harm to our town, including:
•    Increased crime, prostitution, drug abuse, and violence
•    Negatively impact youth, schools, and families
•    Cause further financial hardship and exploitation of vulnerable community members
•    Lead to social degradation and decline in public safety

For these reasons, we respectfully call on the Northern Cape Gambling Board and the Northern Cape Liquor Board to REFUSE both the transfer of the gambling license AND the application of a tavern liquor license in order to protect the safety, welfare, and best interests of the people of Hartswater, Northern Cape.