LEDET warns liquor traders to adhere to new operating hours
LEDET has warned liquor licence holders that trading past 02:00 or 04:00 may lead to suspension under new regulations.
POLOKWANE – The Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism has clarified confusion surrounding new liquor trading regulations, warning licence holders who deliberately violate stipulated operating hours.
This follows the recent implementation of updated liquor regulations, including changes to operating times for various licence categories.
Read more: Limpopo’s new liquor regulations: Key changes explained
Departmental spokesperson Zaid Kalla said the department noted with concern that some liquor restaurant licence holders have continued trading past 02:00 or 04:00, despite their licence terms clearly outlining permitted hours.
“We found that this behaviour is often deliberate. Operating times are clearly stipulated on all liquor licences, and there is a strict expectation that these times be adhered to,” Kalla said.
He stressed that all liquor sales by restaurant licence holders must cease at exactly 02:00.
He also cautioned against other violations, such as trading outside of allowed hours, selling liquor to minors, creating public disturbances, or failing to display required documentation.
“Such violations will result in strict enforcement actions. The Limpopo Liquor Board may suspend or cancel licences, and the Liquor Appeal Tribunal will not overturn decisions in cases of blatant disregard for the law,” he warned.
Kalla explained that only licence holders classified under the ‘entertainment’ category are permitted to trade until 04:00 – an allowance that is clearly reflected on their licences.
According to the Limpopo Liquor Act of 2009, entertainment venues include theatres, cinemas, dance halls, sports centres, casinos and legally recognised gambling establishments.
