To become a liquor reseller in South Africa, you’ll need to comply with with the country’s liquor laws and regulations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
- Obtain a Liquor Licence: Apply for a liquor licence from the provincial authority in the province where your business is located. You’ll need to submit an application, pay the required fee and provide documentation, such as business registration documents, proof of identity, site plan and location details, police clearance certificate etc.
- Meet the Eligibility Criteria: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, which typically includes: being at least 18 years old, being a SA Citizen or permanent resident, not having any convictions for liquor-related offences, not being bankrupt etc.
- Choose a Licence Type: Select the appropriate licence type: off-consumption (for retailers who sell liquor for consumption off the premises like liquor stores), on-consumption (for retailers who sell liquor for consumption on premises like restaurants and bars), events licence, for special events or temporary sales.
- Register with SARS: Register as a tax payer and obtain a tax clearance certificate, which is required for a liquor licence.
- Meet the Requirements for Storage & Display: Ensure your store meets the requirements for liquor storage facilities and display, such as secure storage facilities, display areas that are easily visible and accessible, signage indicated the types of liquor sold.
- Comply with Age Restrictions & Fire Arms: Ensure you have a system in place to verify the age of customers to prevent sales to minors. Also ensure you have safe storage facilities for fire arms of customers.
- Obtain a VAT number (if applicable): If your annual turnover exceeds R1 million, you’ll need to register for VAT.
- Register with the Liquor Industry Association: Join a recognized liquor industry association.
- Comply with Health & Safety Regulations: Ensure your store meets health and safety standards, including proper sanitation, waste disposal and employee safety.
- Maintain Records and File Returns: Keep accurate records of sales, stock and financial transactions and file returns with the relevant authorities.
- Additional Requirements: Some Provinces may have additional requirements that you will have to comply with.
You will have to make provision to pay fees to the liquor authority and liquor licence consultant. Once you have obtained a licence, you will be required to pay an annual renewal fee. The timeline may differ with each application with considerations such as location and so forth, but a general guideline is 4 weeks to a year (sometimes longer). It is recommended that you consult with one of our liquor licence consultants at LIQUOR LINK to ensure you comply with all necessary regulations and laws. You can contact us by clicking on the below link:
