Faizel Patel – Cii News – 24 August 2012

A restaurant and bar situated on the slopes of Signal Hill in the Bo-Kaap area of Cape Town city has outraged the local residents for selling liquor right next to one of the country’s oldest masaajid (mosques).

The Bo-Kaap has historically been home to Muslims and the area is known for its deep religious values.

Residents argue that selling liquor right next to the Nurul Islam Masjid established in 1834 is not acceptable and vowed to have the licence withdrawn.

Municipal laws normally do not allow liquor outlets to operate within close proximity to places of worship and schools.

The outlet however is licensed and therefore fully operational.

About 100 residents demonstrated outside Abantu Restaurant and bar on Thursday.

Bo-Kaap Civic Association chairman Osman Shabodien told Independent Newspapers that, “We have support from non-Muslim residents and churches and demonstrations would continue daily until next Thursday, followed by a protest march to the Provincial Legislature.”

Shabodien also questioned why authorities placed the first bar in the Bo-Kaap next to a mosque and why the residents were not consulted before the licence was granted.