Pinelands’ long-standing status as a ‘dry suburb’ is under threat, as its residents battle a new liquor licence application.
A Checkers store under construction on the corner of Bowlers Way and Howard Drive has applied for a licence, triggering fresh debate in the community.
The Western Cape Liquor Authority has opened a 28-day public participation process. Residents have until Wednesday, 6 May, to submit their comments** and objections.
Pinelands’ decades-long resistance to liquor sales
Pinelands has no legal ban on alcohol sales. However, residents have consistently blocked retail liquor outlets.
For over a century, the Cape Town suburb hasn’t had a single bottle store.
The suburb, established in 1920 as a Garden City, was designed to promote a quiet, community-focused environment.
Residents say this vision has shaped Pinelands’ approach to alcohol for decades. Historical records show that residents have repeatedly opposed licence applications through petitions, boycotts and formal objections.
Timeline of opposition to liquor licences:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1952–53 | First bottle store proposed at Howard Centre; application abandoned |
| 1972 | Residents oppose “Lone Spur” licence via informal poll |
| 1979 | Trader informally agrees not to apply for licence |
| 1987 | Municipality rejects Magica Roma licence after debate |
| 1994–95 | Pick n Pay and others consider licences; strong opposition halts plans |
| 1995 | Survey shows 96% oppose bottle stores; 88% oppose supermarket liquor |
| 1997–98 | Seven Eleven and Pick n Pay applications rejected or withdrawn |
| 2004 & 2013 | Pick n Pay plans wine outlet but backs down |
| 2014 | Wimpy granted licence despite concerns |
| 2016 | Public bar proposal abandoned after backlash |
| Recent | Woolworths and others withdraw plans after community objections |
“In our view, the introduction of retail liquor outlets is incompatible with current land use and the safety standards we strive to uphold,” Marietta Hopley, Chairperson of the Pinelands Community Policing Forum, told the Southern Suburbs Tatler.
New Checkers application sparks fresh debate
The latest application follows a familiar pattern, with public input central to the process.
“Each application is subject to a formal regulatory process…taking into account local regulations and any public input received,” Checkers said in a statement.
Ward councillor Riad Davids has urged the retailer to respect the suburb’s history, noting that similar applications have been withdrawn in the past.
With the deadline approaching, the outcome will depend on resident submissions and the final ruling by the Liquor Licensing Tribunal.
For now, Pinelands’ ‘dry’ status remains intact – but once again faces a decisive test.
**Residents have until Wednesday, 6 May, to submit their comments and objections. These can be emailed to liquor.enquiries@wcla.gov.za or delivered at the Western Cape Liquor Authority, 3 Old Paarl Road, Bellville, Sunbel Building, 3rd Floor.
