Community voices rise against gambling license in Wynberg

The Wynberg Residents' and Ratepayers' Association (WRRA) is opposing a gambling license for two pubs in Church Street, Wynberg.

The WRRA lodged objections to two gambling applications after finding a notice on the Wynberg Library notice board on Friday, August 15. The notice stated that Zevoli 313 (Pty) Ltd and Outlaws Pub & Grill, two businesses situated next to each other and owned by the same person, intended to apply for limited gambling machine premises licences.

The notification gave residents 21 days to submit objections, with the deadline set for Saturday, September 6.

The WRRA received support from the Wynberg Community Policing Forum (CPF), which also opposed the application.

In its objection, the WRRA raised concerns about the potential impact of the licence on the community. These included a possible decline in nearby property values, inconsistency with the character and values of the area, an increase in gambling addiction and related social problems, negative effects on residents’ well-being, and higher traffic volumes.

WRRA chair Phillipa Duncan said there were already established businesses on Wynberg Main Road that offer these gambling services, while there were four other sites offering gambling in proximity to where the applicant is trading.

Wynberg CPF chairperson Suzanne Japhta said concerned members of the WRRA approached them regarding the potential issuing of a gambling license for the establishment in question.

“We have reviewed their concerns and stand firmly behind our community members and strongly object to the license,” she said.

U-Turn’s communication officer, Stephen Underwood, said: “As a Christian organisation, we don’t actively encourage gambling, but we don't take a strong campaigning stance against it. It is something that can be used responsibly or destructively, and each person ultimately makes their own choices,” he said.

The non-profit, which helps to reintegrate street people into society, received the go-ahead last month to open a new homeless centre in Church Street, Wynberg. (“Wynberg's new homeless service centre aims to transform lives,” Constantiaberg Bulletin, August 28)

The owner of Zevoli 313 (Pty) Ltd and Outlaws Pub & Grill, whose name is on the gambling application notification, was contacted for comment, but he referred Bulletin to his "representative."

A representative, who asked not to be named, said the pub and grill had operated for the past five years under a Type A licence, which allowed five slot machines on the premises.

He said the license they are applying for is a Type B gambling license, which means that, if their board decides, they can add a few extra slot machines to their property. 

“We want to offer our clientele an extra choice of slot machines to play, and we do not believe that offering extra slots will impact traffic congestion in the area as we will have our regular customers coming to our place,” he said.

Licensing administrator at the Western Cape Gambling Board (WCGRB), Aisha Flint, said that all objections should be sent to objections.licensing@WCGRB.co.za 

According to the gaming auditor of WCGRB, Msingati Mbeceni, if the objection date is passed, they would still accept any complaints relative to the establishment that can be submitted at any time.

"License applications are considered once the investigation is completed. Objections are but one of the considerations, and all facets of the investigation must have been addressed before any consideration is made," he said.