SOME businesses are flouting municipal by-laws and the City is busy with a plan to clamp down on them.

This has been prompted by numerous public complaints about businesses operating outside their licensing conditions. The planned operation, to be spearheaded by the City's law enforcement and traffic services, will include raids on all businesses. It will begin later this week.

"We will target establishments like restaurants, bars, clubs and taverns to check if they are complying with laws and by-laws," says the City. According to its press statement, the operation is aimed at rooting out all illegal elements and at clamping down on businesses flouting the by-laws.

Other stakeholders involved in the operation include the City's disaster management unit, fire and rescue team, the Eastern Cape Liquor Board, South African Police Service (SAPS), municipal business licensing, municipal health services and City planning.

Information on what procedures need to be followed when applying for a business permit will also be available.

"As we are expecting hordes of visitors to our city in upcoming months, this is a genuine across-the-board contribution to make Buffalo City a people-centred place of opportunity that we can all enjoy in a safe, healthy and sustainable environment," says the traffic and law enforcement commander, Bennie Martin.

During the raids, the various stakeholders will check whether businesses comply with all their standards and by-laws. The fire and rescue division will check for things like access for fire fighting and rescue purposes; availability of fire protection equipment; safety signs; and adequate availability of escape routes, fire escape doors and emergency exists.

The Eastern Cape Liquor Board will check the general conditions applicable to all licence holders, such as not selling alcohol to anyone under the age of 18. A valid certificate of registration must be visibly displayed at all times.

No loud music may be played at the outlet; music may not be audible beyond the boundary perimeter of the premises. No speakers or audio equipment may be placed outside the building and no-one may drink alcohol in or around the premises other than in the area demarcated for such purpose.

The registrant is obliged to report such activities to the nearest police station. The registered person or owner also needs to apply with the board for a manager to be appointed who will be responsible in the absence of the owner or registered person.

The City planning division will check zoning requirements, land usage compliancy and building control measurements. Traffic services will check for violations of traffic laws, motorist and pedestrian safety, and traffic compliancy. And the SAPS will check the safety of patrons and whether any illegal activities are taking place.