Liquor License Applications Lawyers Sandton

1. STANDARD LIQUOR LICENSES IN SOUTH AFRICA

If a person or business wants to sell alcohol on an ongoing basis in South Africa, they need to acquire one of the following long-term liquor licenses, depending on their specific needs:

• Micro-manufacture, both for consumption on- and offsite:

This permit allows one to sell and micro-manufacture alcohol for consumption both at the location of the sale and away from the location of the sale. Businesses requiring this type of license include a vineyard, winery, brewery, and distillery.

• Onsite consumption:

This permit authorises the sale of alcohol for consumption only at the specific location of the sale. Restaurants, coffee shops, inns, hotels, shebeens, and bars are a few examples.

• Offsite consumption:

This permit enables you to sell alcohol both on-site and online. However, the alcohol must be removed and consumed elsewhere. Liquor stores and grocery shops are two examples of businesses requiring this license type.

• On- and offsite consumption (only under exceptional circumstances):

This permit allows customers to consume alcoholic drinks with a meal and purchase closed liquor bottles for consumption off the       premises. Delis and restaurants require this type of license.

2. TEMPORARY ALCOHOL PERMITS IN SOUTH AFRICA

In addition to long-term liquor licenses, there are two types of temporary liquor licenses. People or businesses who want to sell alcohol for a limited period at a specific location need to acquire one of the following temporary liquor licenses, depending on their specific needs:

• Temporary License:

  This permit is required if you have a valid permanent liquor license but want to sell alcoholic beverages from a separate, temporary location. A temporary liquor license may be issued for up to 14 days in a row but may only be extended for up to 30 days a year. For example, a brewery that wants to sell its beer at a festival will need a temporary license.

• Event License:

  This permit indicates that you don’t typically sell alcohol; in other words, you are not in the business of selling alcohol continuously, and your event is one-time only. Anyone over 18 who is not barred from applying for an event liquor license can apply for this type of license. For example, suppose you want to sell alcohol at an event you’re sponsoring, such as a festival or fundraiser. In that case, you need an event license as the event’s host. It is important to note that, in this case, the individual sellers at your event will need their own separate licenses. 

Liquor License Applications and Requirements In South Africa 

The process of obtaining this license involves several steps and requirements. An application consists of at least the following documents:

1. A properly completed Liquor License Application Form;
2. A description of the premises or colour photographs;
3. Written representations;
4. A business plan;
5. A tax clearance on the Applicant; and
6. A so-called “police clearance” on the Applicant or if it is not a natural person, its constituting members or shareholders, etc.

In the case of applications for a Liquor Store License, a Pub License, a Tavern License, a Night Club License and a Pool Parlor License, one must also include in the application a letter from the relevant local authority, on its letterhead, confirming that the premises may be used for the relevant purpose.

Liquor License Renewals In South Africa 

A Liquor license has to be renewed every 12 months, and you can contact our offices to assist with the renewal.