Liquor Law

In order to legally trade in liquor in South Africa - whether selling, manufacturing or distributing liquor- it is a legal requirement that one has a valid liquor license which permits you to trade.

We are equipped to advise role players in the liquor industry on the requirements of the national Liquor Act and provincial liquor acts. We attend to all applications required in terms of both national and provincial liquor legislation. Our innovative use of technology allows us to lodge applications for businesses throughout South Africa.

NEW LIQUOR LICENSE

Liquor licenses are divided in two categories namely “on consumption” (liquor sold may only be consumed on the premises i.e. tavern, restaurant, night club) and “off consumption” liquor license (liquor sold may not be consumed on the premises, i.e. a liquor store.) In addition to this, the law provides for a Distributors Liquor License or Wholesale Liquor License. (Liquor may only be sold to licensed entities such as Liquor Stores, Pubs etc.) and a Manufacturers Liquor License.

DISTRIBUTION

LICENSE

A distributor is a person or entity that is registered with NLA and sells liquor only to other liquor license holders.

The wholesale distribution of liquor is regulated by the National Liquor Authority who issues, inter alia, distribution authorities for the distribution of liquor to the retail trade. Distributors may not sell directly to the general public and retailers may not distribute to the trade.

RENEWAL OF LIQUOR

LICENSE

All liquor licenses must be renewed annually.

Should you fail to do so, your liquor license will expire on its renewal date or on 31 December, depending on the province in which the license was granted.

Should a liquor licenses expire you and your business will no longer being allowed to sell or supply liquor to the public. This means that a new application has to be lodged with the Liquor Board.

TRANSFER OF LIQUOR

LICENSE

Application to transfer an existing license to an entity/Trust or individual may be made. Valid and current licenses are transferred from one person or entity to another.

A liquor license applies to both the premises as well as the owner of the business who is responsible for the sale or storage of the liquor. If the license holder decides to sell the business or simply leave, he will then need to transfer the liquor license to a new owner.

STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS

An application for alteration is made when an existing licensed premises is altered in any structural way, or the location of the storage, bar counter, seating area or any other service area is changed.

An application for addition is made if an existing licensed premises is expanded by the addition of a further portion/area to the premise.

NOMINATION OF

MANAGER

Each licenced business must have an appointed manager. The manager must be a suitable person in terms of the Act.

It is advised that a Nomination or Appointment Application is made as soon after the granted license is received.

E-COMMERCE OR A

SPECIAL USE LICENSE

The National and Provincial Liquor Acts provide for those applications that is not defined in the different liquor Acts.

The members of the relevant Provincial Liquor Board will consider your application and has the discretion to to either approve or deny your application.

OCCASSIONAL LIQUOR

LICENSE

If you are planning to sell alcohol at your event, you must apply for a Special Event Liquor Licence. Failure to do so could result in fines or penalties and certainly wouldn’t do the reputation of your organisation any good. Temporary Liquor Licences only allow the holder to sell liquor to the public during the specific dates applied for and laid out on the license and only on the premises and specific areas applied for and laid out on the license.