The Western Cape Liquor Authority (WCLA) is now in a position to regulate liquor more effectively and fairly in the public interest

For the 2023 licence renewal cycle the WCLA is implementing automatic and non-automatic renewals. Practically, this means that licence holders who are non-compliant will have to apply to renew their licence, while compliant licence holders can have their renewals done automatically. The list of non-compliant licences will be published and members of the public will have an opportunity to comment on these renewal applications.

Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen says: “This differentiated approach to liquor licence renewals rewards good behaviour by allowing compliant licensees to renew their licence automatically, while introducing adverse consequences for errant behaviour. A liquor licence is granted as a concession to trade alcohol, provided the licence is operated in a manner that is mindful of the public interest. I am encouraged that the WCLA is innovating in this way.” 

Simion George, CEO of the Western Cape Liquor Authority, emphasises: “Alcohol is a regulated substance due to the significant harms associated with its availability and use. Regulation ensures that public interest is considered and prioritised to reduce the impact of alcohol on communities, while enabling sustainable business opportunities. In South Africa, 56% of transport related deaths, and 54% of homicides and violence cases are linked to high levels of alcohol. The availability and use of alcohol is a risk factor enabling gender-based violence, sexual violence and other forms of violence leading to injury, trauma or death.”

Those licensees who do not qualify for automatic licence renewal will be notified by 31 July, ahead of the annual renewal period. They will then be able to submit a renewal application for the consideration of the Liquor Licensing Tribunal.

Source: Government of South Africa