Selling liquor in South Africa requires a liquor licence, and which authority you deal with depends on what you intend to do. Under the Liquor Act 59 of 2003, retail sale and consumption of liquor are regulated by provincial legislation, so retail liquor licences come from your provincial liquor authority. The National Liquor Authority at the dtic registers manufacturers and distributors of liquor.
Because retail licensing is provincial, requirements, fees and procedures differ between provinces. Do not rely on figures or steps from another province. The detail below uses the Western Cape as a worked example and says so where it does.
Business Requirements at a Glance
The main requirements to expect for a retail liquor licence are:
- An applicant who is not disqualified under the provincial liquor law. In the Western Cape, anyone aged 18 or older who is not disqualified under section 35 of the Western Cape Liquor Act 4 of 2008 can apply
- Lawful right to occupy the premises
- Plans and documents describing the premises (see below)
- Payment of the prescribed application fee
- Lodging the application with the provincial authority and the designated liquor officer
Fees and categories are set per province, so ask your provincial liquor authority for the current schedule.
Registration and Legal Requirements
There is no single national liquor licence for retailers. The National Liquor Authority handles the registration of manufacturers and distributors, while shops, restaurants, taverns and other retail outlets apply to the provincial authority where the premises are.
Provincial licences are categorised by the kind of trade, and the categories, names and conditions are set by each province. Ask your provincial authority which category matches what you will actually do, including for a restaurant, a market or a special event, and apply for that one.
Applicants must not be disqualified. In the Western Cape the applicant must give an affidavit that they are not disqualified under section 35 of the provincial Act. Check the disqualification list in your own province’s law.
Documents and Ownership Information Required
The Western Cape Liquor Authority’s new licence guide lists the following for a new licence in the Western Cape. Other provinces have their own lists.
- Application Form 3
- Floor plan, site plan and an aerial map of the premises
- A description of the premises and photographs
- Written representations
- Proof of payment of the application fee
- Certified ID or registration documents of the applicant
- An affidavit that the applicant is not disqualified under section 35
- Proof that the application was lodged with the designated liquor officer
- Proof of the right to occupy the premises
Tax, Licence and Compliance Requirements
Ask your provincial authority for the conditions, renewal requirements and fees that apply to your category.
A liquor licence does not replace your other business obligations. Confirm municipal and tax requirements separately with your municipality and SARS.
Process, Deadlines and Ongoing Obligations
In the Western Cape, applications must be lodged by 14h00 on the Friday preceding the first Friday of any month. Other provinces have their own lodgement rules, so confirm them before planning an opening date.
To apply for a liquor licence: identify your province’s liquor authority, confirm the category and fee, gather the documents, and lodge the application on its form. Confirm the municipal position on the address with your municipality before you sign a lease. The Western Cape application guide above is the place to start if you are in that province.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues liquor licences in South Africa?
Retail sale and consumption are regulated by provincial legislation, so provincial liquor authorities issue retail licences. The National Liquor Authority registers manufacturers and distributors.
What are the types of liquor licence?
Categories are set by each province, so the list differs. Ask your provincial liquor authority which categories exist and which one matches how you will sell, for example for drinking on the premises or for take-away sales.
Do I need a liquor licence for a restaurant?
If a restaurant will sell liquor, you will need the provincial licence for that kind of trade. Ask your provincial liquor authority which category applies.
Who can apply for a liquor licence?
In the Western Cape, anyone 18 or older who is not disqualified under section 35 of the Western Cape Liquor Act. Other provinces have their own rules.
When must I lodge my application?
In the Western Cape, by 14h00 on the Friday preceding the first Friday of any month. Check the cut-off in your own province.
Confirm requirements with your provincial liquor authority and the National Liquor Authority at the dtic. See company registration requirements and browse all business and compliance requirements.