Entertainment curfew in Maun
Boniface Keakabetse | Tuesday June 28, 2016 16:16
Chief bye-law officer, Phemelo Matome confirmed that the Liquor Control Authority board resolved to close down the club for failure to operate within the stipulated hours. Matome said the closure was in line with Section 23 of the Liquor Control Act which stipulates that any operator found to operate outside hours for three times will have their licence revoked. He explained that the club violated opening hours seven times. He said the liquor committee resolved on Monday that Fresh Exclusive Night Club’s license be revoked. He said Section 24 of the act allows the club management to appeal to the North West regional appeals board and then to the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry.
A committee member, Galaletsang Mhapha could not deny nor confirm the pending closure saying he has been instructed by the council not to say anything about the matter until the council has formally notified the club management about the decision. “I have been told by the council not to say anything until the council notifies the club management by writing.”
During a Kgotla last week, Mhapha accused the North West District Council for planning to close the club. Mmegi has it on good authority that security officers are behind the closure saying the club was a haven for illicit sale of drugs. This follow a crackdown on drugs syndicates operating in Maun.
Fresh Exclusive Night Club owner, Remoneilwe Wright said he has no knowledge about the closure saying the NWDC management has not informed him about it. Wright also refused to neither confirm nor deny allegations that he has served North West District Council with a P3.5 million lawsuit for loss of business. Wright however confirmed that he has lodged numerous complaints to the council and the Botswana Police Services to control hundreds of hawkers who convene outside the club to sell alcohol illegally. “I have lost too much business due to the alcohol peddlers. I run a legitimate business that has employed people but the relevant authorities have failed me,” he said