Government has introduced tax on non-nicotine products. Image: X/Gauteng Community Safety.
Government has introduced tax on non-nicotine products. Image: X/Gauteng Community Safety.
Staying open until the early hours of the morning remains a ‘pipe dream’ for many bars and lounges: Police in Gauteng have closed down a popular nightspot in the province, after both the owners and patrons were discovered breaking a whole host of lockdown laws on Saturday evening.
Bar closed down in Gauteng for ignoring lockdown laws
Roxa Hookah lounge, a favourite amongst those who love a bit of the hubbly bubbly (sheesha pipes), resembled a den of iniquity this weekend. When police arrived, they discovered criminal offences left, right and centre. First and foremost, the bar was open well past the permitted curfew time of 00:00.
Then, upon closer inspection, it was revealed that customers in this Gauteng venue had been using the hubbly bubbly pipes to smoke drugs with. This is a blatant disregard for both the law and the general health and safety regulations, as this apparatus is only meant for the consumption of tobacco and less harmful substances.
Double hubbly bubbly trouble for popular sheesha lounge
The cherry on top of this law-breaking cake was the fact that nobody seemed particularly bothered by the fact the world is currently fighting a pandemic. Social distancing laws were ignored completely, and masks were nowhere to be seen amongst employees or partygoers. The raid was conducted under the banner of Operation Okae Molao
“The police closed down Roxa Hookah lounge, Maboneng in Jeppe’s Town last night since the establishment didn’t adhere to the curfew. Patrons were found drinking alcohol and indulging in drugs using hubbly bubbly. There was als no social distancing and no wearing of masks to be seen.”
Gauteng Community Safety statement
The police closed down Roxa Hookah lounge, Maboneng in Jeppe's Town last night since the establishment didn't adhere to the curfew. Patrons were found drinking alcohol and indulging in drugs using hubbly bubbles. No social distancing and wearing of masks. #OkaeMolao pic.twitter.com/S7xcFt6zD7
— GP Community Safety (@GP_CommSafety) September 27, 2020
