As the owner of a property, venue, or outlet with a liquor licence in Johannesburg or elsewhere in South Africa, you are the default person responsible for ensuring that all aspects of your licence are followed to the letter. According to the conditions of your licence, you must be present for the entire duration of the operating hours of your business.
But what happens if you own more than one outlet or need a day off? This is where nominating a responsible person comes in. Read on to find out about the roles and responsibilities of the nominated person and how to select the correct person for this vital position.
Roles and Responsibilities of Nominated Persons
When your regional Liquor Board grants you a liquor licence, they entrust you to operate your business according to the law. As such, they require you to be on-site at all times when your business operates.
As this is not always possible, you need to nominate a responsible person, such as a manager or trustworthy employee, to step into your shoes when you are absent. They effectively act as your proxy in your absence.
They need to understand the guidelines, rules and laws that pertain to your liquor licence and act accordingly. In the event of an inspection, they need to produce the correct documentation and show that the business is operating legally.
If your business operates on shift work, you will need to nominate more than one responsible person to ensure that at least one of them is present at all times during operating hours.
How to Choose the Right Person for This Task
When selecting an employee or manager to nominate as your responsible person, consider the following attributes:
- Reliable
- Good communication skills
- Self-motivated
- A team player
- A good fit in your business model
Overall, you will be looking for someone who knows how your business works, understands the importance of complying with your liquor licence, and is aware of the long-term implications of non-compliance and the negative impact this can have on the business and, in the end, their own livelihood.
For assistance with all aspects of liquor licence renewals, applications, nominations and more, contact Leon Slotow Associates today. We are leading consultants in South Africa’s complex area of liquor and entertainment law.
