Not the end of Angie's, say owners

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The owners of the popular Angie's G Spot started dismantling several buildings on the property following a demolition order issued by the sheriff in George.

Harold and Angie Beaumont are the owners of Angie's G Spot in De Vlugt, where they ran a pub, restaurant and accommodation for visitors travelling along the scenic Prince Alfred's Pass between Uniondale and Knysna.

George Municipality obtained a court order on 15 February last year to stop the Beaumonts from business trading. After dismantling one of the buildings in March 2017, the Beaumonts decided to oppose the order and have continued the business, which was their sole income, without demolishing any more buildings.

This all came to a grinding halt last week when the sheriff served the notice of demolition. Three members of the sheriff's office in George were at Angie’s G Spot on Monday to ensure that illegal structures were removed.

An exasperated Harold Beaumont with officials from the sheriff’s office.

'Neighbour has a vendetta'
The Beaumonts maintain that there is a vendetta against them from a neighbour who wants to see them close down.

“I can’t understand how we were granted a liquor licence years ago, live in a building which has been here long before we bought the place and is surrounded by other properties, but suddenly we are supposedly under the flood line,” said Harold.

In reaction to a query, the George Municipality said the whole issue regarding unlawful structures on the property was inherited in 2011 when the municipality took over the Uniondale area from Eden District Municipality.

According to the statement, the buildings are on ground that forms part of the riverbed and as such pose a danger to inhabitants.

The municipality further states that the application for a business, which was submitted to Eden years ago, was not correct and that it was disapproved by the George Municipality when it took over the area.

Harold Beaumont with officials from the sheriff’s office.

There is hope
Regardless of the history of the whole saga, the Beaumonts now face a decision that will determine whether they will be able to remain on the property.

The municipality has decided to split the implementation of the court order, which ordered the removal of all buildings, into two phases. The first phase is the one that took place this week to remove all buildings except the house and the ablution building.

The second phase allows the Beaumonts 28 days in which to submit plans for the current dwelling and to desist from trading as a business. Should this condition not be adhered to, the dwelling will also be demolished at the end of the 28-day period.

The Beaumonts indicated on Monday that they are not going to give in so easily.

“Today doesn’t mark the end of Angie’s, it marks the start of a new chapter, because we have not stopped fighting this injustice by a long shot,” Harold stated.

Angie added that they are not prepared to be "bullied" into giving up their only means of an income simply because "we are being victimised".