Couzyn, Hertzog & Horak | Experienced Attorneys in Pretoria

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    Liquor Law

    Our Liquor Law department provides legal expertise and guidance on all levels of liquor licensing laws in South Africa. Our team will identify the liquor licence best suited to your business and advise you on the provisions of the Gauteng Liquor Act 2 of 2003 (and its regulations) before opening the doors of your business for the first time. Our services include online liquor licenses, liquor stores licenses, hospitality licenses (i.e. restaurants, clubs and pubs) as well as craft alcohol manufacturing licenses

    Entrust all your alcohol license issues to us!

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

    What source of South African law deals with liquor licenses?

    In Gauteng, The Gauteng Liquor Act, 2 of 2003, the municipal by-laws and regulations.

    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.

    The type of liquor licence that you will require for your business will depend on the business category your business falls under. Further factors such as the zoning of the property and the potential impact of your business on the surrounding area and businesses will affect the success of your application. As part of our service to you, we shall ensure that these aspects are discussed with you and complied before your application is submitted.

    Between 4 – 6 months.

    All liquor licenses must be renewed annually. Should you fail to do so, your liquor licenses will expire after the period has come to an end. Should a liquor licenses expire, a new Liquor License application will have to be lodged.

    • A Police Clearance Certificate (for every owner of the business);
    • A Tax Clearance Certificate;
    • Proof that you are affiliated with the Gauteng Liquor Traders Association (GLTA) (Section 38 of the Liquor Act, 2003);
    • Zoning Certificate, which expressly confirms that the type of business you want to conduct may be conducted on the proposed premises, (this must be obtained from your Local Municipality);
    • Lease agreement or proof of ownership of the premises;
    • Certificate of Compliance from Emergency Management Services
    • Certificate of Compliance from your Municipalities Environmental Health Division (if application is for an on-consumption licence);
    • 3 sets of colour photographs of the interior, exterior and surrounding area of the proposed premises;
    • 3 sets of the floor layout plan and site plan of the proposed premises;
    • 3 sets of the intended menu (if application is for an on-consumption);
    • Copy of identity document of Applicant (if a private person);
    • Certificate of Incorporation and CM29 if Applicant is a Company;
    • Founding Statement if Applicant is a Close Corporation.
    • A Micro manufacturer is a group or person who manufactures alcohol which is below the macro enterprise annual limits, these limits are as follows:
      • Beer – 100 Million Liters
      • Sorghum beer – 50 Million Liters
      • Wine 4 Million Liters
      • Spirits – 2 Million Liters
    • Once the micro-manufacturer’s licence is granted, a condition will be imposed that your product first be tested and for you to submit a letter from Department of Agriculture, before the licence will be issued.

    All liquor licenses must be renewed annually. Should you fail to do so, your liquor licenses will expire after the period has come to an end. Should a liquor licenses expire, a new Liquor License application will have to be lodged.