Liquor licence processes clarified
KZN Liquor Licencing Board and liquor licence holders to discuss amendments to Act 06 of 2010
THE KZN portfolio committee for Economic Development convened in Empangeni on Wednesday to explain processes and identify challenges surrounding the issuing of liquor licences in the province.
The initiative brought together representatives of the SAPS, SARS, the KZN Liquor Licencing Board and liquor licence holders to discuss amendments to Act 06 of 2010, most notably the regulation relating to outlets within 500 metres from learning institutions and places of worship that should to relocate to alternative premises by March next year.
‘The main issue we have right now is licence holders’ lack information of the licencing system,’ said committee Chairperson Nhlakanipho Ntombela.
‘Another is that communities aren’t aware of applications to obtain licences and raise objections after these have already been approved.’
The committee outlined the processes and requirements for obtaining a liquor licence certificate, how outlets are inspected and the role of police in the processes.
It was also discovered that certain licence holders had fallen prey to fraudsters impersonating Liquor Licencing Board staff, some losing as much as R15 000 in the scam.
The committee also conducted inspections at liquor outlets in neighbouring areas after the meetings to ensure compliance.
‘So far I’ve seen compliance at the outlets we’ve been to,’ said Ntombela.
