General information

 

Anyone wishing to sell, manufacture or distribute liquor is required by law to have a liquor licence.

If you trade without a licence, you are in breach of the law and the local authorities may take steps against you, close down your business and confiscate your assets.

Liquor licences need to be renewed annually.

The public may lodge objections to the granting of a licence. The Liquor Board will consider the application and all the objections received and will either reject or approve the application.

 

CONDITIONS

• The Liquor Board can grant a conditional liquor licence. Examples of common conditions are:
• Approval of the licence subject to proof of rezoning or consent use by the local authorities.
• No loud music or loud entertainment in a restaurant.
• Restrictions on trading hours.
• Restrictions ensuring that the licence is only used for the purpose that it was intended, e.g. that a restaurant does not become a night club.

 

WHO MAY APPLY FOR A LIQUOR LICENCE?

Anyone may apply for a liquor licence unless you:

• Have served a prison sentence without the option of a fine in the last ten years (the Board may make an exception in certain cases).
• Are bankrupt.
• Are a minor.
• Are spouse of any of the above.

Compliance with the guidelines set out here does not guarantee the success of an application. The liquor act and its regulations are complex and need to be strictly adhered to. 

The annual fees are payable no later than 31 December every year. Failure to pay the annual fees on time will result in a 50 % penalty within the month of January and 100% penalty within the month of February and thereafter the lapse of the licence and you will have to re-apply for the licence. 

All the provinces differ within their regulations and application procedures. 

 

Licence Categories:

 Application types accessible nationally.

• Transfers  From one entity to another.  One premise to the next. 
• Restaurants Liquor license
• Special On consumption  Pub, Hotel, Club, Franchise, Action Bar, Pool lounge, Cocktail Lounge, accommodation, Sport, Facility (incl. Indoor), Coffee shops, Wine boutique, Night Club, theatre, Tavern, Party Bus, floating Vessels or Rail.
• Temporary Liquor License
• Occasional Liquor License
• Procure Controlling Interest
• Wine Grocer Liquor License
• Manage a Premise (Management Appointments)
• Structural changes to licensed premise.                                
• Storage in an additional premise.
• Storage in another District.
• Supply for tasting or promotional purposes.
• Supply free for Brew house purposes.
• Off Consumption - Liquor Store, Distribution, Wholesale.
• Special off Consumption - Liquor Store (Township areas)
• Producers, Wine farmer, Distiller, Brew House.
• Assistance with annual renewals.
• Extended hours

 

Processing procedure:  

• Consultation
• Preparation of all documentation
• Drawing up of plans if required
• Photos
• Advertisements’
• Submissions and all revenues paid.
• Representation.
• Expected waiting period (Minimum of 3 months plus)

 

 

Do not hesitate to contact us for any enquiries or assistance regarding any liquor license enquiry.

19 Years of experience.