PETITION IN SUPPORT OF STIMELA LOUNGE AND ITS CONTINUED OPERATION
To:
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
Relevant Municipal Departments
Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department
Liquor Licensing Authorities
Ward Councillor and Other Relevant Authorities
RE: COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR STIMELA LOUNGE TO CONTINUE OPERATING AT PRETORIA ROAD, KEMPTON PARK
We, the undersigned residents, customers, employees, community members, supporters and patrons of Stimela Lounge, respectfully submit this petition to express our support for Stimela Lounge and its continued operation.
Stimela Lounge is an operating local business that provides a place for members of the surrounding community to socialise, enjoy music, food and entertainment, and spend time with friends and family in a welcoming environment.
We are aware of a petition calling for the closure of Stimela Lounge and the revocation of its licences. We believe it is important that the authorities also hear from the many people who support the business and want it to remain open and operating.
WHY WE SUPPORT STIMELA LOUNGE
1. It Creates Employment
Stimela Lounge provides employment and income opportunities to people in the community, including waiters, bartenders, kitchen staff, security personnel, cleaners, managers, DJs and other workers and service providers.
For many of these individuals, the business provides an important source of income for themselves and their families.
2. It Contributes to the Local Economy
Stimela Lounge contributes to the local economy by purchasing goods and services from other businesses and supporting suppliers, entertainers, security companies, transport providers, food suppliers and other local service providers.
3. It Provides a Place for Socialising and Entertainment
Stimela Lounge provides a legitimate entertainment and social environment where people can meet, enjoy music and food, celebrate occasions and spend time with friends and family.
4. We Support Responsible Business Operations
We recognise that an entertainment establishment has a responsibility to operate responsibly and to respect neighbouring residents and the surrounding community.
We therefore support Stimela Lounge complying with all applicable laws, municipal by-laws, licensing conditions, noise-control requirements, safety regulations and other legal requirements.
Where genuine and legitimate concerns arise, we believe they should be addressed through proper investigation, constructive engagement and reasonable corrective measures, rather than automatically seeking the permanent closure of the business.
5. The Community Should Be Heard Fairly
We believe that no single petition should be treated as representing the views of the entire community.
There are customers, residents, employees, businesses and other members of the community who support Stimela Lounge and who believe that it should be allowed to continue operating.
We therefore respectfully request that the authorities consider both the complaints against the establishment and the support for the establishment before making any decision affecting its licences or ability to operate.
OUR REQUEST TO THE AUTHORITIES
We respectfully request that the relevant authorities:
* Allow Stimela Lounge to continue operating.
* Do not revoke or suspend its licences without proper investigation and due process.
* Consider the employment and economic benefits provided by the business.
* Consider the views of the many customers, residents, employees and community members who support Stimela Lounge.
* Investigate any complaints objectively and on the basis of evidence.
* Where legitimate concerns are identified, engage with management and allow reasonable opportunities for corrective action.
* Apply applicable laws, regulations and enforcement measures fairly and consistently to all entertainment establishments in the area.
* Recognise that the surrounding community consists of people with different views and interests, and that those who support Stimela Lounge deserve to have their voices heard.
We believe that Stimela Lounge can operate successfully while coexisting responsibly with surrounding residents and businesses.
We therefore respectfully call upon the relevant authorities to allow Stimela Lounge to continue operating and to consider this petition as evidence of the substantial community support for the establishment.
WE SUPPORT STIMELA LOUNGE.
WE SUPPORT LOCAL JOBS.
WE SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS.
WE SUPPORT FAIR AND EQUAL TREATMENT.
WE SUPPORT RESPONSIBLE ENTERTAINMENT.
WE WANT STIMELA LOUNGE TO CONTINUE OPERATING.
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SIGNATURES
No. Full Name Resident / Customer / Employee / Supporter Area/Suburb Signature Contact (Optional)
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Date: ______________________
Petition Coordinator: ______________________
Contact: ______________________