Prospective nightclub operators are seething with anger after the Liquor Licensing Board suspended the issuing of licenses indefinitely.
The Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture – under which the board falls – says the move was taken after consultations with the Lesotho Mounted Police Services (LMPS) revealed that nightclubs were hubs of violent crimes. However, police this week denied claims that they had influenced the board’s decision to suspend new nightclub licenses based on this or in any way.
Prospective nightclub owners, backed by the Lesotho Liquor and Restaurants Owners Association (LLROA), this week dismissed the Liquor Licensing Board’s reason behind the suspension of new licenses, saying it defies logic.
They claimed that the suspension was a calculated move by ministry officials to consolidate their own power and economic control as some of them also own such businesses and were eager to elbow out any new entrants into this sector.
The ministry’s public relations manager, ‘Mamolise Falatsa, says the suspension of nightclubs licenses is aimed at curbing violent crimes in the country.
Falatsa noted that the ministry last year initiated a review of the terms and conditions for issuing such licenses to ensure that nightclubs are adequately addressing security concerns and other socio-related issues.
She however, could not provide a timeline for when the review would be completed, stating that the ministry intends to consult with other relevant stakeholders before making final decisions about the future of nightclub licensing.
“This is a complex issue that requires input from a variety of parties, therefore we cannot provide a definitive timeline for when the review will be completed,” Falatsa said.
Although the indefinite suspension came into force in August last year, some prospective nightclub operators only get to know about this when they go to check on their license applications.
They blame the board for deliberately not disseminating this information widely and consulting.
Falatsa noted that while existing licenses were still being renewed, provided they meet the terms and condition, the ministry is monitoring all currently operating nightclubs to ensure that they adhere to the required security and safety standards.
Those that fail to meet the standards risk losing their licenses, she warned.
New nightclub operators, many of whom have spent months preparing to launch their businesses are now faced with mounting uncertainty and fear, as their livelihoods hinge on the availability of the licenses.
They say they have invested heavily in their venues, hiring staff, constructing buildings and purchasing equipment, only to have their dreams dashed by the government’s decision.
One of the affected nightclub owners, ‘Mareatile Mohapi, told theReporter this week that she had invested considerable time and money in her new venture.
Mohapi said she had met all the ministry’s requirements for an operating license by August last year, including constructing a large building, fencing for security, and creating a stage for DJs, among others.
“I have spent nearly M100k on this business and put a lot of effort into meeting all the requirements, with the hope of improving my livelihood, only to be told that the board has put the issuing of new licenses on hold. It’s a devastating blow,” Mohapi stated.
She further questioned the ministry’s logic behind the suspension of new licenses.
“Gun violence has long plagued this country, but it doesn’t mean night clubs are the root cause,” she said, arguing that if the government wants to tackle crime, it should focus on the illegal gun trade, not venues where people go to enjoy themselves.
Molefinyane Sesinyi, another owner-in-waiting said he hit the wall in January this year, after he was denied an operating license on the same claims of security concerns. This after investing time and money to ensure the venue met all regulatory requirements, with successful inspections by police, health and tourism officials in Mohale’s Hoek district.
Sesinyi called for a clear, transparent licensing process to avoid potential abuse of power by government officials or politicians.
“I suspect that the suspension is a move by certain individuals to gain control over the industry,” he alleged.
“They want to be the only ones operating nightclubs, leaving the rest of us out in the cold,” he said, citing that such individuals’ machinations could result in an uneven playing field for nightclub owners and limit competition in the sector.
Sesinyi argued that nightclubs were in fact some of the most regulated and secure entertainment venues, with tight security and well-behaved customers.
“It therefore makes no sense to shut down our businesses when we provide a safe and controlled environment for people to enjoy themselves. This decision isn’t about crime, it is about giving certain individuals an advantage,” Sesinyi argued.
He added that the suspension was a calculated move by ministry officials to consolidate their own power and economic control as some of them also own such businesses.
Sesinyi also reasoned that the board’s decision is causing widespread unemployment and suffering among families across the country.
The Lesotho Liquor and Restaurants Owners Association (LLROA) president Mothusi Nkeane, confirmed that they had been made aware of the issue since August last year and tried to intervene on behalf of their members but without any success.
Nkeane acknowledged that the licensing board had informed the association that the decision to suspend license issuance was based on advice from police that nightclubs were being used to plot crimes.
“However, there is no evidence supporting these claims. We feel like nightclub owners are being unfairly blamed for a problem they did not create.
“Moreover, there is no logic in stopping new licenses while established nightclubs remain operational,” Nkeane indicated.
According to Nkeane, when LLROA confronted the police about the alleged link between nightclubs and crimes, they security agent denied any such connection existed.
Furthermore, he said, the police confirmed that no laws existed to prevent nightclub licenses from being issued on the grounds of crime prevention.
“We have bee trying to engage more with the ministry including the minister and the PS (principal secretary) but they have repeatedly refused to meet with us. It is as if these concerns do not matter to them,” Nkeane claimed.
When contacted for comment yesterday, police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Mpiti Mopeli denied that they had influenced the board’s decision to suspend new nightclub licenses.
“The LMPS has not been involved in the decision-making process and does not dictate the board’s decision,” he said.
He added that the licensing board operates independently through its members and any decisions made they make are based on their evaluation of the considered risks and consequences.
