Licence ruling on 'tavern of death'

The W Cape Liquor Authority will decide if the liquor trading licence for Osi's Tavern in Khayelitsha should be revoked.

Cape Town - The Western Cape Liquor Authority is due to decide on Monday if the liquor trading licence for Osi’s Tavern in Khayelitsha should be revoked.

Tavern owner Phumlani Abrahams is expected to give evidence on Monday in a hearing to determine the future of the tavern. In June eight women died when the tavern’s staircase collapsed. There were allegations a gunshot was fired inside the tavern, which led to a stampede.

Western Cape Liquor Authority spokesperson Philip Prinsloo said Abrahams is expected to give evidence following the liquor authority’s decision on July 9 to temporarily suspend his licence.

The liquor authority will provide evidence in the form of witness statements and testimony, and a report compiled by the police.

Prinsloo said when all the evidence has been provided, a decision would be made if sanctions should be imposed.

Sanctions the board could consider include revoking or amending the trading licence or to impose a fine for contravening liquor regulations.

Simphiwe Nkepu, uncle of one of the deceased, Abulele Nkepu, said on Sunday that it would be good if the tribunal decided to close the tavern.

“As much as I believe the business was his source of income, he (Abrahams) should have adhered to the conditions in his licence. He allowed (in) people under the required drinking age.”

Witness Thembakazi Tshimsila said the tavern was overly full and she had heard a gunshot minutes before the stampede.

sandiso.phaliso@inl.co.za

Cape Times