Moratorium in Gauteng lifted for event licences

Monday, 21 November, 2011
Cluver Markotter Inc
The MEC for Economic Development in Gauteng issued a media statement on Monday confirming that the moratorium on the issuing of liquor licences in Gauteng will be lifted on the 17th of November but only in respect of occasional and catering permits.
This means that it will now again be possible to apply for temporary licences to sell liquor during special events.

According to Danie Cronje, the Director of Liquor Law Services at Cluver Markotter Incorporated this is good news for the wine industry as the organisers of events such as wine shows will now again be able to obtain licences to sell wine for consumption at the event.

The moratorium remains in place i.r.o applications for permanent liquor licences i.e. for liquor stores, retail stores, restaurants, hotels etc.

In the media statement the MEC also expressed concern about the dominance of large retailers in the liquor industry.

She indicated that measures will be introduced to ensure that position of dominance is not abused but did not provide any details in this regard.