Liquor traders clash with churches
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Thursday November 17, 2016 16:25
The row emerged during a workshop for licensing committees organised by the Francistown City Council (FCC) at the Civic Centre on Tuesday.
A Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs commercial officer, Pako Keiretswe said while churches were supposed to be located 500 metres away from liquor outlets, it was common in Francistown to see churches located in the same shopping complexes as liquor outlets.
Keiretswe was responding to a question from a workshop attendant who expressed concern that officers from the FCC displayed double standards in applying the law.
The attendant, Ontlametse Ngwato, of Solar Dynamics said according to law, churches were not supposed to operate from shopping complexes where bars are located, but FCC officials were not taking any action against churches violating that law.
“Liquor places should not mix with churches. Churches are mushrooming all over the city at liquor selling premises, but if it were liquor enterprises setting up in places reserved for churches, the alcohol traders will be evicted within a blink of an eye,” he said.The councillor for Donga, Ben Mpotokwane, said the rate at which churches are relocating to liquor selling complexes is of great of concern that needs attention.
“This situation is worrying members of the public very much. In most cases, they are worried about the noise generated by churches and bars since most of these establishments are also located within residential areas,” said Mpotokwane.
Councillors and traders also expressed unhappiness with the liquor trading hours and their impact on the entertainment industry.