More beds than breakfasts

OUR most recent edition carried a somewhat tongue in cheek article about the number of ‘B&Bs’ sprouting up throughout the city.

Charging rates of R200 per hour, it is quite obvious many of these are brothels attempting to assume the impression of respectability.

It is not right that authorities turn a blind eye. This is a serious matter.

Besides the fact prostitution is illegal, such venues also contribute to instances of rape, women abuse and human trafficking – not to mention drug dealing, substance abuse and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Added to that is the unlawful selling of alcohol at all hours, which again spirals into cases of assault and even murder.

Not only bogus B&Bs but also illegal clubs, pubs and taverns create a situation where injustice is done to the many legal product owners in the hospitality industry.

These register with the Liquor Board, municipality and other relevant authorities, pay their business licences, are inspected regularly for health and safety compliance and operate professionally and ethically towards staff and clients.

The City of uMhlathuze last year did an audit of all legal alcohol outlets.

Those who are not on that completed list are, therefore, operating illegally.

These ‘businesses’ are blatantly appearing even in the most upmarket of suburbs, not just in the shoddier areas.

Some lead authority must take ownership of the problem – but that is not as simple as it seems.

City officials admitted most of the unlawful establishments operate at unusual hours and would probably have to be visited or raided in the early hours.

Confronting those who have little regard for law and order is also a dangerous activity.

Added to that, others say the occupants of police vehicles are regular visitors to many of these dives; serious allegations that should without difficulty be investigated and dealt with.

We await the official list of offending traders with interest, to see what action will – or will not – be taken.