GEORGE NEWS - The late night behaviour of the patrons of Mike's Tavern and Night club in Parkdene has led to a stand-off between neighbours.

The solution, which is effective and within the law, has left Mike Munsamy, the tavern owner, feeling victimised. "I have a valid liquor licence and have been trading here for many years with no problems. I can't be held responsible for the actions of people that are not on my premises. I adhere to all the conditions of my licence, I am legal."

Alan Prins, who stays across the road, said that he had to find a solution - every Friday and Saturday night Mike's Tavern customers park on his pavement until the early hours of the morning. "They continuously reverse into my vibracrete wall and break the concrete slabs. We can still handle the drinking, revving of engines and the occasional fight, but urinating against the wall is a problem for me. In the morning the place stinks and I have to clear away the broken bottles." Prins finally went to the municipality and laid a complaint. "The kerbs and the bollards weren't my idea; it was the municipality's solution."

Last week council upgraded the intersection in the vicinity of the tavern by putting in pavement kerbs and planting bollards, which will prevent cars from parking on the pavement.

Munsamy said the obstructions will affect his business as the road is now too narrow for cars to park. "The traffic department will be here all the time now. Will they fine the people for parking in the street? Will the municipality put in kerbs throughout Parkdene or are they only meant to punish me?"

Chantel Edwards-Klose, the media liaison officer of the George Municipality, said the kerbs were installed to safeguard the pedestrians. "Parking problems were experienced in the immediate vicinity of the tavern, with vehicles illegally parking on the sidewalks. This prevented pedestrians from using the sidewalk at the busy intersection forcing them onto the road. Furthermore, the parking of vehicles on the corner of Swan and King streets limits sight distances for fellow motorists, jeopardising road safety."

According to the approved building plans for Mike's Tavern, parking is supposed to be provided on site from Swan Street - in front of the house. This area has been illegally enclosed and structures have also been erected in the parking area without municipal approval.


Municipal workers offloading the concrete bollards. Photos: Myron Rabinowitz

ARTICLE: MYRON RABINOWITZ, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST

'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'