Evidence leader advocate Luvuyo Vena questioned Phumlani Tyali, head of the liquor board’s licensing division, who said that on December 2 2011, the licence application was lodged and published in the gazette on December 12.
“On July 22 2012 a meeting was held with the then community councillor … on August 23 the licence was granted.”
Tiyali said the board relied on the councillor’s testimony on behalf of the community.
He confirmed that Lizani was the inspector and ran an authenticity check before the licence was granted.
“There are terms and conditions that are read by the licence holder that he or she signs for.”
Vena read out the licence requirements, which included no loud music heard beyond the establishment’s demarcated area, and the licence holder being responsible for the safety of its patrons.
Tyali said the original tavern structure when the application was lodged was different from the one in June 2022, by which time an upper structure had been added.
“You are not allowed to make modifications to the structure without the board receiving proof of consent from municipal officials and notifying the board,” Tyali said.