The eThekwini Municipality has issued a formal notice to Surf Riders Café, a popular Durban beachfront café, to vacate its premises by September 30. The café, situated on Durban's beachfront at South Beach, has been a familiar stop for locals and visitors, offering a relaxed surf-inspired atmosphere, ocean views, and casual food. According to the municipality, the lease agreement between eThekwini and Lebotrax, trading as Surf Riders Café, expired on March 31, 2019.
The café has continued to occupy the premises on a month-to-month basis after the lease expired. However, the municipality has now given formal notice, stating that the premises must be returned in the condition required under the original lease agreement. This includes leaving the premises clean, tidy, sanitary, and in good repair, with any broken or damaged features, fixtures, and fittings repaired or replaced at the café's expense.
The municipality has warned the café not to damage the property while removing its belongings, equipment, or signage. The café must remove all people, belongings, and equipment from the premises and ensure that anyone occupying the property through the business has left. Additionally, the café must return all original and duplicate keys and access devices to the municipality.
A joint inspection will be conducted before the formal handover, with the date and time to be arranged with the municipality. The municipality has made it clear that the notice does not affect any other claims it may have against the café, including its right to recover outstanding rental, interest, damages, legal costs, and any other amounts due.
The municipality has warned that failing to vacate by the deadline could lead to legal action. Should the café fail to vacate and deliver the premises in the required condition by September 30, the municipality reserves the right to institute or continue with the necessary legal proceedings. The café is a well-known establishment in Durban, particularly associated with the city's surf culture and laid-back beachfront lifestyle.
Surf Riders Café has become a staple on the Durban beachfront, offering diners a place to eat and relax close to the sea. The café's future at the South Beach premises is now uncertain, and it remains to be seen what actions the café will take in response to the municipality's notice. The notice was issued to Lebotrax, trading as Surf Riders Café, and it is unclear what the implications will be for the business.
The eThekwini Municipality's decision to order Surf Riders Café to vacate the premises has raised questions about the future of the business and the impact on the local community. The café's closure could have significant effects on the local economy and the community that has grown around it. Key points include the expiration of the lease agreement, the requirement for the café to vacate the premises, and the potential for legal action if the deadline is not met.
Key points
- The eThekwini Municipality has given Surf Riders Café until September 30 to vacate the South Beach premises.
- The lease agreement between eThekwini and Lebotrax expired on March 31, 2019.
- The municipality has warned that failing to vacate by the deadline could lead to legal action.
