PLEASE SUBMIT ANY OBJECTIONS BY TUESDAY evening 19th October – details below
The GRA remains very concerned about the proliferation of venues that clearly, illegally and problematically operate as clubs/ bars and party venues while using restaurant liquor licences.The GRA will be objecting (as per our policy) to the application for a restaurant liquor licence by House of Trance on October 1st 2021. We are not only objecting because of our policy (which is to give us standing to engage with business owners in order to protect the residential nature, amenity and property values of the suburb) but also because we have significant concerns about this particular application.
As soon as the GRA was made aware that building work was being done at the site, together with neighbouring homeowners we approached both the landlords and the business owner to share our concerns and ask for a meeting with them to try find a negotiated agreement. Unfortunately the landlords and business owner did not choose meet with residents at that time.
Now that there has been an application made for a liquor licence we have reviewed the application and the venue ‘s website, and it appears that the House of Trance is positioning itself as an over 18s cocktail lounge/bar (see application) and is advertising electronic dance music on weekends. Electronic dance music (EDM), also known as dance music, club music, or simply dance,[1] is a broad range of percussive electronic music genres made largely for nightclubs, raves, and festivals.
No property in Greenside is, or can be, zoned for a place of amusement (ie clubs, dance venues, bars). The most important conditions to which a restaurant liquor license must comply, is that the main source of income is from the sale of food, that there is a fully functional kitchen and a food menu available at all times. Businesses with restaurant licenses are not allowed to play loud or amplified music, and any music is intended for background ambience.
As House of Trance is advertising electronic dance music, has a very limited food menu and is sited on the second floor of a building, with an open balcony/ smoking section that is not sound proofed, significant concerns can be raised about the possible serious noise disturbances to the residents living around the area. Residents who live nearby have expressed great distress about these developments and, if you agree that an objection is necessary, please bear in mind not just the legalities of the issue, but the very real impact on the lives of our fellow-residents.
The GRA is aware that the Gleneagles/Greenway business strip is already overtraded with restaurants and coffee shops that are struggling to attract customers, especially day time trade. The GRA is also concerned about the increase in noise complaints (music and loud, often drunken patrons), dangerous driving, problem parking, cars revving and drag racing on Gleneagles and Greenway especially over weekends and at night.
In order to inform and assist residents we have uploaded a shortened version of the application (if you would like to see the entire application please collect from the Gauteng Liquor Board or email the GRA) and are publishing a template for objections, but we ask that where possible you use your own words and personalise as far as possible as it is more impactful and meaningful. IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Ensure that you supply your details correctly and that your objection is signed and dated.
Please read through the application and if you feel it deems an objection you can do so in writing, addressed to the Gauteng Liquor Board (and not the Greenside Residents’ Association.)
If you would like the GRA to assist you in objecting you can use the template letter we have developed (but please complete all your details, and try use your own words and sign it) and 1. Deliver two signed copies of your objection in the post boxes of one of these addresses by 7pm on Tuesday 19th October : 141 Mowbray Rd or 54 Greenfield Rd or 2. Email objections to us before 8pm on Tuesday 19th October on : info@gra.org.za (and cc the agent thandymoll@gmail.com). we will print two copies of each and arrange for hand delivery to the offices of the Gauteng Liquor Board. The Liquor Board requires a single copy of the objection, however, to confirm receipt we print a 2nd copy and have both copies stamped as received. A copy also needs to be sent to the agent representing the applicant (Agent for House of Trance – Bothakga Marketing Solutions – email thandymoll@gmail.com).
