A bid by a top retailer to secure a new liquor licence in Maitland has been met with strong opposition from residents and safety structures in the area, who argue that the community is already grappling with the social harms linked to alcohol abuse and an oversaturation of liquor outlets.

The application, made by Shoprite Liquor, was submitted to the Western Cape Liquor Authority earlier this month. 

Liquor-free Ward

Ward 56 councillor Cheslyn Steenberg says the application was rejected at a recent Sub-council 15 meeting.

The objection was based on concerns over the impact of alcohol abuse in the area, he adds.

“We have enough liquor outlets in our community. I don’t believe we need to saturate our community with more liquor outlets.”

Steenberg says the application has intensified growing calls for the entire ward to become liquor-free.

“Shops should remain a place where groceries are being purchased and not alcohol. The purchasing of alcohol from any shop contributes to the breakdown of any society,” he explains.

In a statement, the Maitland Community Policing Forum (CPF) also dismissed the application, saying there are already at least three liquor-licensed premises within a 100m radius of the retailer’s location.

“A recent visibility walk by the Maitland CPF, local neighbourhood watch and metro police revealed widespread misconceptions around public drinking, with many people unaware it is illegal and some believing the park was meant for alcohol consumption,” read the statement.

Concerns from residents

Graham Daniels, safety and security member for the Maitland Ratepayers and Residents Association (MRRA), says the area is already “significantly saturated” with liquor outlets.

“The introduction of an additional outlet will contribute to harmful density levels linked to increased alcohol abuse, crime, and social instability. The community continues to experience alcohol-related harms such as domestic violence, public disorder, and gang-related activity.”

He believes having another liquor establishment will exacerbate these crime and place “further strain” on policing and social services.

“Maitland includes vulnerable and economically pressured households, where substance abuse already has a disproportionate impact. Expanding access to alcohol in such an environment disregards the lived realities of residents, particularly children and at-risk groups.”

According to Daniels, there has not been “sufficient meaningful consultation” with affected residents and recognised community structures.

“Liquor outlets are associated with increased noise, loitering, and disruptive behaviour, negatively affecting residents’ quality of life. Community organisations are actively working to stabilise and uplift the area. Another liquor outlet undermines these efforts,” he says.

The Western Cape Liquor Authority (WCLA) did not respond to People’s Post queries at the time of publishing. 

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