Businesses urged to renew their licenses with the muncipality

Ward 97 councillor, Andre Beetge warns all local businesses that are licensed with eThekwini Business Licensing Department are urged to renew their licenses before 31 January.

Renewal of business licences can be done at any nearest business licensing offices, where companies initially applied for their business licenses namely, Central region – 031-311-4535, North region – 031-322-1803, South region – 031-311-5870 and West region – 031-311-6209.

The renewal procedure is conducted annually and is very critical under Section 15(1) of the Businesses Regulations in terms of the Businesses Act 71 of 1991. This ensures compliance and proper management of businesses.

The Act requires that every license holder must every year confirm that the business for which the license was issued, is continuing to be conducted from the premises specified in the license. Also that no other business for which license is required in terms of the Businesses Act is being conducted from the same licensed premises.

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The city is to conduct inspection raids after the stipulated period to catch defaulters. Those who will not have renewed by that time, their licenses will lapse and the enforcement personnel of the Business Licensing department will prosecute them for trading without a license. They will have to re-apply for licences which has cost implications whereas renewing is free.

License holders need to produce their original business license, ID document, company or business documents, a proxy letter and South African Police Services fingerprints clearance with no illicit activity identified (only applicable to licence holders with item 2 licenses).