Pinelands residents are fighting to keep their Cape Town suburb “dry” after Checkers applied for a liquor licence for a new store under construction in the area.

The new Checkers branch is being built on the corner of Bowlers Way and Howard Drive. The liquor licence application is now before the Western Cape Liquor Authority, which has opened the matter for public input.

Residents have until early May to submit comments, objections or support for the application. The final decision will be made through the formal regulatory process, which considers input from the community, police and the municipality.

A Suburb With a 100-Year Dry Tradition

Pinelands has held onto its dry status for decades, despite there being no law that bans liquor sales in the suburb.

The area was established as South Africa’s first garden city and has long promoted a quiet, community-focused lifestyle. Residents have repeatedly opposed liquor licence applications, effectively keeping retail alcohol outlets out of the suburb.

The first known challenge dates back to 1952, when a bottle store application at Howard Centre was dropped after community opposition. Other applications linked to major retailers were also withdrawn or changed after pushback from residents.

Councillor Warns of Social Problems

Ward 53 councillor Riad Davids said the fight is not about stopping people from drinking alcohol.

He said the concern is off-consumption sales, where alcohol is bought to be consumed elsewhere. Davids warned that this could lead to public drinking, especially in parking areas.

He also raised concern about the proposed outlet’s location, saying Pinelands High School is within 150 metres of where alcohol sales would take place. The school has also written in opposition to the application.

Checkers Application Still Under Review

Checkers has said the application forms part of its standard business operations and will be assessed through the proper regulatory process.

Residents, however, say the suburb’s history should be respected. Community groups are now helping locals understand how to take part in the Western Cape Liquor Authority process.

Pinelands does allow alcohol to be served at restaurants and clubs. But residents remain firmly opposed to retail liquor outlets, arguing that bottle-store-style sales could bring avoidable social problems into the area.