When applying for a new liquor licence, there are several hoops to jump through to ensure success. This is often why most businesses will engage the services of an experienced liquor licence consultant to help guide them through the process.
In this blog, we will focus on one of the essential requirements: a police clearance. Let us explain why it is required and how to obtain one.
What Is Police Clearance & Why Is It Necessary?
A police clearance is a certificate issued by SAPS that verifies the status of your criminal record. For example, to hold a liquor licence, the Liquor Act requires that you have not previously been found guilty of alcohol-related crimes.
The information on the police clearance is, therefore, applicable to the Liquor Board in assessing and verifying information on your application.
How Do You Apply for Police Clearance?
To apply for a police clearance, go to a police station with your identity document and the prescribed fee (usually around R180) or proof of payment. You must apply in person, as your fingerprints will be taken and sent off to check against the national database.
You will be required to complete an application form and submit a certified copy of your identity document or passport. In the case where maiden surnames or other surnames are necessary on the police clearance certificate, a certified copy of the marriage certificate will also be required.
If you provide your cell number on your application, you will receive an SMS to acknowledge receipt of your application along with a reference number.
Alternatively you can submit your fingerprints to our offices and we will handle the process for you.
How Long Before The Police Clearance Will Be Issued?
The processing time is approximately 15 working days from when the application and all required documentation are received at Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management. This excluded the document transfer time.
An SMS will be sent when the application has been completed and the police clearance is ready for collection.
How Long is it Valid For?
Regarding a liquor licence application, the police clearance may not be older than 12 months. A National Police Clearance is now required with every new application, appointment of manager and transfer in Gauteng, so it will be necessary to obtain a police clearance annually or with every new application.
The Liquor Act is designed to protect buyers and sellers of alcohol, so you can see why verifying applicants’ information and background details is so important.
Contact Leon Slotow Associates today for assistance with all aspects of your liquor licence application, including police clearance. As one of the leading liquor licence consultants in South Africa, we have all the skills and experience to guide you through the process in this complex area of liquor and entertainment law to achieve liquor licensing success.
