OnTap Magazine

Be sure that all documents submitted are clear and completed as per the requirements. Should your application be refused, the Gauteng Liquor Board won’t allow you to lodge a new application on the premises within a year from the date of refusal. LICENSING TIP ON-CONSUMPTION: Patrons consume liquor on the premises and are not allowed to leave with the liquor, such as a restaurant, night club or hotel. MAIN TYPES OF LIQUOR LICENCE The liquor licence application is one of the most daunting processes when starting a microbrewery. Having so many liquor acts causes a lot of confusion as the different provinces all have different rules and do things slightly differently. The process, which should typically take about 90 days from the day of application until the licence is issued, can often take more than a year. I know of breweries who have closed shop before even trading due to difficulties in obtaining their licences. The trick is understanding your specific provincial liquor act and its requirements and ensuring full compliance. Some people have successfully applied for the licences themselves, but it’s often better to make use of knowledgeable liquor consultants and lawyers to assist you with the application – at a fee, of course. APPLICATION PROCESS DOCUMENTS FOR APPLYING FOR A LIQUOR LICENCE INTHE WESTERN CAPE AND GAUTENG • Certified ID copy of applicant - WC GP • Police Clearance Certificate - WC GP • Proof of Address - WC GP • Company Registration documents - WC GP • SARS Clearance certificate - WC GP • Full business address and location of premises - WC GP • Comprehensive floor plan - WC GP • Site plan of the premises - WC • Description of the premises - WC GP • Colour photographs of premises (inside and outside) - WC GP • Written motivation in support of application - WC GP • Zoning certificate - WC GP • Proof of affiliation to industry association - GP • Affidavit confirming that your premises are not within 500 meters radius vicinity of a place of worship, educational institution, similar licenced premises or public transport facility - GP • Local Authority Approval on relevant letterhead signed by a designed executing officer from the Town Planning department of the Local municipality (not a Ward Councillor) - GP • Signed lease agreement or Title Deed - GP • Notice of application - WC GP • Proof of payment - WC GP OFF-CONSUMPTION: Patrons buy liquor to take away such as in bottle stores, or any establishment that does not provide for the seating of patrons and consumption of liquor within the premises. TEMPORARY LIQUOR LICENCE: A liquor licence that is issued for a short period of time to applicants already in possession of a liquor licence. For example, a brewery may want to sell their products for off-consumption. The temporary liquor licence is unfortunately not granted for longer than 14 consecutive days, or for more than a total of 30 days in a year. ON- AND OFF-CONSUMPTION: Patrons either consume what they bought on the premises or take away to consume elsewhere, for example, at a tavern. SPECIAL EVENT: Issued to sell liquor at special occasions such as charity events and festivals. The application must be made at least 14 days before the event and the licence is only valid for the duration of the event. MICRO-MANUFACTURING: Issued to liquor manufacturers producing amounts below a specified threshold. Micro-manufacturer: a producer of liquor who in a calendar year does not produce more than the prescribed volume: beer - 100 million litres; spirits - 2 million litres of absolute alcohol; wine - 4 million litres and sorghum - 50 million litres. Distributor: a person or entity that is registered with National Liquor Authority and sells liquor only to other liquor license holders. DEFINITIONS Western Cape: WC Gauteng: GP ontapmag.co.za | Winter 2018 | 51