May 3, 2006
By Thabang Mokoka
SHEBEEN permits will now be valid for an additional 12 months, from 1 May. The permits were due to expire at the end of April, before the extension was announced.
Permits are issued in terms of the Gauteng Liquor Act. The Liquor Licensing Office, located in the provincial department of finance and economic affairs, announced the new deadline for shebeen owners on Monday, 24 April.
Kenneth Mapengo, the chief director for liquor licensing, made the announcement on behalf of the MEC for finance and economic affairs, Paul Mashatile, saying he had agreed "to extend the period of operation of shebeen permits".
The permit allows the shebeen owner to sell liquor legally while his or her application for a liquor licence is processed.
Percy Mthimkhulu, the department's spokesperson, said the extension was expected "to create an essential environment for the successful regulation of the liquor industry in Gauteng and also allow for more shebeen owners to apply for permits so that they can enter into the mainstream [economy] as expected by the Liquor Licensing Office".
Traders who already have shebeen permits have to submit these for verification at their regional liquor licensing offices within three months of 1 May. Mapengo said that those who had not yet applied for shebeen permits would be allowed to do so between 1 May and 31 July. No extensions would be considered after this.
"We wish to encourage those who are trading without permits to use this opportunity to apply for permits at their regional licensing offices," he said.
"The liquor industry is an important industry, providing employment and income to many households. We therefore have a responsibility to ensure that [it] is effectively regulated and that its economic benefits can be shared by all."
Mthimkhulu said the Liquor Licensing Office was discussing the implications of the extension with the South African Police Service.
When applying for a permit, the trader needs to supply certain documentation, namely:
- A certified copy of his or her identity document;
- A plan of the premises;
- Motivation why the permit should be issued;
- Proof of lawful occupation, such as a municipal statement or title deed; and
- A completed Form 10, obtainable from the Liquor Licensing Office.
The office is at the corner of Main and Harrison streets in central Johannesburg. The Gauteng Liquor Board can be contacted on 011 335 8099. For more information, contact Percy Mthimkhulu on 082 379 1913.
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