ETHEKWINI Municipality has called on businesses to renew their trading licences which will be available for renewal from December 1 until January 31.
While tuckshops and spaza shops are classified as food establishments, they are required to pay a reduced registration fee, since they are considered emerging businesses.
Also read: Spaza shop blitz results in closure of businesses in Wentworth
The eThekwini Municipality has provided the following guidelines on the importance of having a business licence:
How can I renew my business licence?
By visiting the eThekwini Municipality business licensing office where the license was applied for. There are prescribed renewal forms that must be completed and submitted with the required documents attached. The business licence renewal can also be done via the online portal under the Business Licensing eServices webpage.
What will happen if I don’t renew my business licence?
The owner of the business will be prosecuted by the licence inspector and other law enforcement agencies.
How much does it cost to renew a business licence?
The renewal of a business licence is free.
Also read: Imported expired food found at a warehouse near The Bluff
What is a business licence?
A business licence is a legal document that gives permission to the business to trade in accordance with the type of business they are running. This document also confirms that the business is legal and compliant in terms on the Businesses Act 71 of 1991.
Why do I need a business licence?
It is a statutory requirement, the Businesses Act, 1991 (Act No. 71 of 1991) provides that no person may conduct a business without a business licence. It is important for the public to comply with this legislation so that measures are in place to safeguard both the business owner and consumers. The licencing process requires approval from land use management, environmental health, fire and emergency services, building department and metro police.
How to get a business licence?
You can apply online on Business Licensing eServices webpage or you can complete the application forms and submit them personally at the business licencing office closer to your business. The municipality sends reports to Town Planning and the Building Department for approval as a pre-requisite. Once they get approvals from the aforementioned departments, applicants can then lodge an application and pay the prescribed fee and be given 21 days to comply with fire and emergency services and Health Departments requirements. Licences are granted when they comply with all other departmental requirements.
Also read: Bluff businessman faces violation of Counterfeit Goods Act
How long does a business licence last for?
Business licences are valid for as long as the business is in operation, and it is still compliant with relevant legislations and bylaws. It is renewable once a year by the end of January. It will get cancelled when a licence holder vacates the premises or when the business changes hands.
What are the different types of business licences?
Under Businesses Act 71 of 1991, Item 1 is food businesses, Item 2 health facilities and entertainment and accommodation establishment certificates in terms of the Businesses Act 71 of 1991.
How much is the application for a new business licence?
- R574 for food businesses
- R2842 for health and entertainment businesses
- R574 for accommodation certificates
- R287 for emerging businesses (Spaza shops)
Where are eThekwini Municipality’s business licencing offices?
The offices are located in different regions as per the addresses below:
- 7th Floor Embassy Building, 199 Anton Lembede Street, Durban
- Sizakala Centre Winklespruit, 11 Grace Dale Road, Winklespruit
- Sizakala Centre Pinetown Civic Centre, 60 Kings Road, Pinetown
- Sizakala Centre Verulam, Ground Floor, 151 Wick Street, Verulam
- Sizakala Centre Midway Mall, Newlands West
What it is the role of eThekwini Municipality’s business licencing office?
- Provide the efficient licencing and administration function for business licence applications, for food businesses, entertainment and health facility and accommodation establishments.
- Monitoring and enforcing compliance of the businesses with the provisions of the Businesses Act and Accommodation Establishment By-law.
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