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IN an attempt to raid a shebeen in Lotus River, the Grassy Park police were surprised when the owner of the shebeen produced a legal liquor licence.

After approaching the residence, 401 Third Avenue in Lotus River, on Tuesday, 22 January, the police had no option but to leave the premises when owner Clarence Williams, owner of Boy?s Inn, produced his liquor licence, which he says he was granted two years after applying. At first it was thought Williams had obtained the licence illegally, but after discussing the matter with the Liquor Board, it was discovered to be legal.

Raybin Windvogel of the Western Cape Liquor Board says Williams indeed followed legal procedure.

However, the only issue was regarding the police report, which Windvogel says was not submitted.

He says the Liquor Board went as far as writing to the provincial police department, asking them to contact the Grassy Park Police regarding the report. The letter was sent on 15 July 2007.

"The report has to be filed within 35 days of the application for a li?quor licence being lodged."

Windvogel says the board can grant a licence without a report from the police, but prefers to work with them. In August 2007 the board sent an inspector to Lotus River and spoke to neighbours regarding Williams? liquor licence application.

The neighbours had no objections. Williams was granted his li?quor licence in December. Windvogel says invitations to object to the application also appeared on 2 December 2005 in the Provincial Gazette and on 21 November 2007 in a local community newspaper, and again there were no objections.

Inspector Stephen Knapp, police spokesperson of the Grassy Park Police Station, says Senior Superintendent Christopher Jones, station commissioner, is looking into the matter.

"He will not speculate on the issuing of the licence until he has concluded his investigation."

Philip Bam, chairperson of the Grassy Park Community Police Forum, was shocked when he heard of Williams receiving a liquor licence.

It is known that the CPF strongly opposes shebeens in the community and would not agree to any shebeens being granted liquor licen?ces.

"They cannot have a liquor licence. No shebeens in Grassy Park have legal liquor licences. The CPF has not received or seen an application by Williams; we would have objected."

He says that the CPF will object to any shebeens that apply.

"We do not want shebeens in the area," says Bam.

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