On the 4th May 2022 residents of Orlando East German Block held a meeting to discuss the burning issue of the Bottle Store located in Tloome Street.
The Bottle store was opened in 2021,where it used to be Polela Shops. The Shop was converted into a Bottle Store and a Restaurant by the new owners.
There have been ongoing complaints by the residents nearby that ever since the Bottle Store was opened they haven’t been peace in the neighbourhood. Bottle store patrons sit and park their cars outside the Bottle store in front of the yards of residents and cause disturbance in the street. Motorist can’t pass freely because of obstruction caused by cars and people who sit there and play loud music in front of their gates.
Police have been called numerous times to intervene on the situation, but the chaos still continues. Several block meetings have been held to try and address the situation but no solutions have been reached.
Residents are complaining that they were never consulted before the Bottle Store was opened and did not give their consent and agree that there should be a Bottle Store in their area.
The police investigation found that the Bottle Store is operating with a valid Liquor Licence however it’s authenticity has not been verified with the Liquor Board.
According to the police, there are a number of outlets who operate with Liquor Licenses that have been obtained fraudulently and most of them have been shut down as a result.
The German Block community meeting has resolved that it will draft a petition that will be signed by German Block residents calling for the closure of the Bottle Store and revoke their trading license to operate in their area. All efforts to curb the situation have been exhausted and they are left with no choice but to call for its closure.
Residence who are in favour of the closure of the Bottle Store should sign the petition that will be circulating in the coming week.
