Wednesday, 7 October, 2015
Simon Dippenaar
Racking up over 2 000 working hours this year certainly gives us more than enough reason to celebrate! But before we chill the champagne and pop the streamers, there’s one more thing to tick off – ending the year and starting the next with the correct liquor licence.
Where restaurants, bars and wine farms all have permanent and varied licences, events such as New Year's parties need special event or temporary licences if alcohol will be sold on the party premises.
Basics of a temporary liquor licence
= You must apply for a liquor licence 14 days prior to the day of your event.
= A temporary licence may not last longer than 14 consecutive days and for more than 30 days per year.
= Your temporary licence may come with some restrictions.
= All application fees need to be settled before the issuing of a licence.
Basics of a special event liquor licence
Educational institutions (other than schools), welfare or cultural organisations, the organiser of an exhibition, the manager of a bona fide race or sports event or the organiser of an artistic performance can apply for a special event licence.
= Your application must be made 14 days prior to the event.
= This licence will only be valid for the duration of the event.
= Some conditions and restrictions may apply.
= All application fees need to be settled before the issuing of a licence.
Going ahead without a liquor licence could mean facing a fine of up to R1 million, or imprisonment. With heightened focus on patrolling of the legal sale of liquor, it’s a risk we recommend you not take as it will also influence any future applications.
Tip: If your company is planning to have a limited bar tab, remember that you will still need a liquor licence when you switch from an open bar to cash bar.
If you’re an events organiser and need assistance with liquor licence applications for your own or your clients’ events, contact SD Law & Associates on 021 439 5208 to make the application process hiccup-free. Our experience and expertise in this field will ensure that your application meets all requirements necessary, leaving you to do what you do best – pull off a fantastic party.
Contact SD Law & Associates if you would like us to manage your liquor licence renewals or application and say cheers to your liquor licence woes.
Speak to Simon
now about how we can help you with your liquor licence: sdippenaar@sdlaw.co.za
021 439 5208