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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an application take?
The length of an application depends on various factors – the main being:
- Whether the application is properly prepared and motivated – it’s advisable to make use of a Liquor License Consultant who is familiar with the process of the various applications and what exactly the Board will look for in a properly motivated application. The quality of an application is of huge importance and rejection of an insufficiently motivated and poorly drafted application can leave the Applicant frustrated and dazed. Not to mention the extra cost of re-applying or appealing!
- The Liquor Board – Liquor Boards differ from Province to Province. Some convene regularly and others only once a month. The Board could also be experiencing a high volume of applications and therefore applications might stand over from one Board meeting to the next. Patience is key.
How do I apply for a liquor license?
It is not advisable for an inexperienced individual to handle his/her own application, but rather to make use of a competent Liquor License Consultant. Practical and administrative skills together with knowledge of the relevant Liquor Act and Regulations are required to prepare and present a properly prepared and motivated application.
How do I choose a liquor license consultant?
There are many unethical and incompetent Liquor License Consultants and an Applicant must therefore take great care in choosing a Liquor License Consultant.
Make sure of the following:
- Ask for a written quote and make sure of what is included/excluded in the quote.
- How long has the Liquor License Consultant been in business – does he/she have the necessary experience, knowledge and skills?
- Ask for identification of the Liquor License Consultant and record it.
- Choose a consultant that prepares customized applications – liquor license applications are not a copy and paste job and should not be prepared at last minute.
What costs are involved in applying for a license?
- Advertisement costs (only relevant to some applications);
- Application fee and subsequent registration fee – which will depend on the type of application to be applied for – ask your consultant for the Schedule of Fees of the relevant Liquor Board;
- The fees of the Liquor Licence Consultant. Your chosen Liquor Licence Consultant should charge an amount which is fair in comparison to the amount of work that goes into preparing the application and following up with the Liquor Board.
REMEMBER: when it comes to fees charged by the Consultant – you get what you pay for. A specialized application requires a specialized fee.
Trunek Consulting provides customized quotes complete with relevant application fee and advertisement costs (if applicable).
Which kind of licences may be applied for?
Each province has its own Liquor Act and Regulations that determines which liquor licences may be applied for in that specific Province. Licences fall into two main categories – On and Off Consumption. Contact us for more info on the liquor licences available in your Province.
Examples of kinds of licenses include:
On Consumption Liquor Licences (drink on the premises)
- Restaurant liquor licence;
- Hotel liquor licence;
- Special event / Temporary licence;
- Tavern liquor license.
Off Consumption Liquor Licences (drink elsewhere)
- Liquor store liquor licence;
- Distribution (Wholesale) liquor licence;
- Grocers’ wine liquor licence;
- Sorghum beer liquor license.
Who may apply for a liquor licence?
Any person who is not disqualified in terms of the Liquor Act. The following characteristics are listed in the Liquor Act describing a disqualified person:
- Persons who served a prison sentence without the option of a fine in the preceding 10 years;
- An unrehabilitated insolvent;
- A minor (younger than 18 years of age);
- A person who had previously been a licence holder, but whose licence had been withdrawn by the Liquor Board.
Will my premises qualify for a liquor licence?
Each premises has to comply with a set of characteristics, which is presented to the Liquor Board on a floor plan, a site plan and photos. Trunek Consulting prepares a customized annexure for each new registration application detailing the internal and external features and finishes of each premises.
Other factors which are taken into consideration by the Liquor Board include:
- It’s zoning status (business/residential/recreational);
- The proximity of the premises to schools, places of worship, similar businesses and public transport.
Which changes to the licensed premises requires approval by the Liquor Board?
The following changes to a licensed business require approval from the Liquor Board to prevent illegal trading:
- a new licence holder takes over (sale of the licensed business);
- a new manager is appointed;
- the business moves to a new premises;
- structural alterations to the premises;
- change in controlling interest of the business.
Must I renew my licence?
The answer is YES and an annual renewal fee is payable to the relevant Liquor Board in this respect. The different Provinces have different renewal fees and prescribed dates for payment thereof.
Ensure your Liquor Licence is renewed in time or you could risk having to re-apply for a new license!
Contact Trunek Consulting today for queries regarding the prescribed dates and applicable fees for renewal of your license.
What could happen if a person sells, manufactures or distributes liquor without a valid licence?
Selling, manufacturing and distribution of liquor without a valid license is illegal and any person involved in illegal trading could face prosecution by the SAP in the form of a fine or prison sentence.
Get Your Free Quote Today!
Contact me for advice on any liquor licensing issues. Follow up on applications already lodged with the Liquor Authority can be done at fair cost.