FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The WCLA is a regulatory body responsible for overseeing the retail sale and micro-manufacturing of liquor in the Western Cape. It ensures compliance with liquor laws, processes licence applications, and enforces regulations to promote responsible liquor trade in the public interest.

The Western Cape Liquor Act, 2008 (Act 4 of 2008) and its amendments regulate liquor licensing and enforcement in the province.

The main types of licences include:

• On-Consumption
• Off-Consumption
• On/Off Consumption
• Micro-Manufacturing Off
• Micro-Manufacturing On and Off

Operating hours vary depending on Municipal by-laws. Applicants should check with their local municipality for specific trading hours.

No. Selling liquor without a valid licence is illegal and may result in fines, imprisonment, or confiscation of stock.

Applicants must submit a completed application form as prescribed, supporting documents, and pay the required fees. The process includes a public participation period and a process of consideration by the Liquor Licensing Tribunal.

The process typically takes 4 to 6 months, depending on whether there are objections, outstanding information not provided or clarifications. The WCLA’s objective is to process an application in the shortest time possible and to provide the LLT with fully compliant applications to enable the most appropriate determination of public interest.

The latest fee schedule is available on the WCLA website. Cost includes application fees, annual renewal fees etc. Fees increase annually after a public participation process has been completed.

Yes, but the transfer must be approved by the Liquor Licensing Tribunal. A formal application must be submitted with relevant documentation.

You may appeal the decision by submitting a formal appeal to the Appeal Tribunal within the prescribed period.

A liquor licences must be renewed annually or biennially before or on 31 December every year. Renewal fees must be paid before the due date to avoid penalties.

A penalty fee will be charged for late renewals. If renewal is not completed within the grace period, the licence may lapse, requiring a new application. The following penalties are applicable (January: Renewal fee+50%penalty, February: Renewal fee + 100% penalty, March: Condonation Application made to the CEO before or on 31 March + Renewal fee + 150% penalty)

Yes. A licence may be revoked for serious non-compliance, such as selling liquor to underage, trading outside of allowed hours, or violating conditions set by the Liquor Licensing Tribunal. Each case are considered on its own merits.

Reports can be made via:

• WCLA WhatsApp Hotline: 0737375843
• WCLA Contact number: 021 204 9700/9805
• Email: liquor.enquiries@wcla.gov.za
• Complete online form on the WCLA website: www.wcla.gov.za

Navigate to Brochures for more details.

Yes. A temporary liquor licence is required for events where liquor will be sold. Applications must be submitted at least 39 days before the event. The WCLA encourages early lodgment of event applications.

Late applications may be considered with a condonation request, but penalties apply for each day the application is submitted late.

Inspections are conducted regularly and may be scheduled or unannounced. High-risk areas may have more frequent inspections.

Depending on the severity of the transgression, consequences may include:

• Warnings
• Fines
• Temporary suspension
• License revocation

The Western Cape Liquor Authority’s Inspectors, together with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and local municipalities, enforce liquor laws.

The development of the eLicence online platform forms part of the WCLA’s commitment to regulate liquor effectively. The digital offering aims to streamline the administrative process of applying for new applications online for the licence holders and potential applicants. By creating a profile, you can apply online, track your application status, manage your licence details and pay all applicable fees via the portal.