The Mercury
Kings Park Stadium in Durban. File photo: Marilyn Bernard
Durban – The Sharks management on Thursday invited patrons of Durban’s Kings Park Stadium to enjoy a few drinks on the outer fields on Saturday, when the local rugby team take on the Cheetahs.
This, despite a statement earlier this week from the chief executive of the KZN Liquor Board, Stella Khumalo, saying Kings Park had a Sports Ground licence, which allowed it to sell and supply liquor only in the stadium, not on the outer fields.
“The KZN Liquor Authority expects the Sharks to adhere to their licence conditions at all times,” warned board spokesman Siva Naidoo last night.
The move to enforce existing legislation banning alcohol in public areas came after British citizen Brett Williams was beaten and killed, allegedly by a group of drunken men, at the stadium last month.
The ban was met with mixed reactions from fans. Some believed it was a wise move, others thought it too extreme.
Robynne Breeds posted on Facebook: “So much of the violent crime happens as a result of alcohol and drugs. Our country would be a far better place without them.”
But Owen Shaw said: “If this carries on I will simply not renew my tickets next year as will many others.”
Jandl Reevo Reeves agreed: “If I go down to the rugby I want to take my child and enjoy a beer with the rest of my friends, their wives and kids. Take it (the beer) away and I’ll do it at home.”
After almost a week of ignoring The Mercury’s requests for comment, The Sharks management on Thursday posted a statement on their website.
“Regarding this Saturday’s game against the Cheetahs; patrons and supporters will be able to bring alcohol into the outer fields precinct as usual,” it read.
“Going forward”, patrons and supporters would still be able to consume alcohol on the outer fields.
“However, they will have to purchase alcohol from Sharks outlets on the outer fields precinct.”
But Naidoo raised an eyebrow when he heard of The Sharks’ position and warned that liquor inspectors would be at the match to monitor compliance with licence conditions. “We are the implementers of the law and its accompanying regulations and our messages are consistent,” Naidoo said of the board. “Responsible traders know when to say no.”
Police spokesman Vincent Mdunge said there would be a heavy police presence at the match.
“If there is any infringement of the law, police will be there to deal with it,” he said. “People of this country know where to draw the line and in which areas drinking is restricted.”
Police would ensure peace and stability were maintained, said Mdunge.
The partying may be limited anyway by the cold, wet weather.
Lucky Majhwedzha of WeatherSA’s Durban office, said: “We expect heavy, persistent rainfall and possible flash floods at the weekend – the worst predicted for Saturday.”
Light snow is predicted on the peaks of the Drakensberg.
The Mercury
