Applying for a liquor licence in Gauteng can be confusing, especially when you’re unsure which type of licence suits your business model. Whether you’re starting a pub, tavern, bottle store, or guesthouse, the correct liquor licence depends on the nature of your operations, your premises, and your municipal zoning.
At Leon Slotow Associates, we guide clients through the process by understanding your business in detail — often through site visits — to determine which licence is most appropriate and legally viable. Here’s an overview of the most common licence types available under the Gauteng Liquor Act:
1. Tavern Liquor Licence
Definition: Allows for the sale and consumption of liquor on the premises, typically in a casual, community-focused setting.
Common Use: Township-based venues where alcohol is consumed on-site, sometimes accompanied by food and informal entertainment.
2. Pub Liquor Licence
Definition: Similar to a tavern licence, but for more formal or urban settings. Alcohol is consumed on the premises, and light meals or snacks are usually served.
Common Use: Bars and pubs in commercial or mixed-use areas.
3. Restaurant Liquor Licence
Definition: Permits the sale of liquor for consumption on the premises as an accompaniment to meals.
Key Requirement: The primary business activity must be food service, and alcohol sales must not dominate turnover.
Common Use: Restaurants, cafes, and bistros.
4. Accommodation Liquor Licence
Definition: For guesthouses, B&Bs, lodges, and hotels that wish to offer liquor to overnight guests.
Common Use: Tourism and hospitality establishments with sleeping facilities.
5. Liquor Store Licence
Definition: Authorises the sale of alcohol for off-consumption only — meaning customers may purchase liquor but may not drink it on site.
Common Use: Bottle stores, chain liquor retailers, independent liquor outlets.
5. Special Off-Consumption Liquor Licence
Definition: Allows for the sale of alcohol that must be taken away and not consumed on the premises.
Common Use: non-traditional liquor stores, liquor retailers, alcohol delivery services.
6. Special On-Consumption Liquor Licence
Definition:
This licence authorises the sale and consumption of alcohol on the licensed premises. It is intended for businesses where patrons consume alcohol on-site, and the setup must support safe and controlled consumption. It may also apply in non-traditional settings, such as office spaces, where a standard licence category does not quite fit.
Common Uses: Entertainment venues, office spaces, spa etc.
7. Occasional Liquor Licence (Temporary Licence)
Definition: A short-term licence granted for events or functions hosted at a specific venue.
- Does not require a permanent liquor licence.
- Issued for up to 7 consecutive days per application.
- Common for events like weddings, markets, corporate functions, or pop-ups.
Important: In Gauteng, this is called an Occasional Licence — there is no separate “special event” licence or a hybrid on/off licence. If a business wants to offer both on- and off-consumption sales permanently, they must apply for two separate licences, each with its own requirements and fees.
Choosing the Right Liquor Licence
This is where most clients need help. It’s not always obvious what licence is needed, especially when your business model includes mixed elements — like food and alcohol, retail and events, or accommodation and entertainment.
We take the time to:
- Understand your business;
- Assess your premises and zoning;
- Recommend the correct licence(s) that will ensure full legal compliance and long-term viability.
Unsure which liquor licence you need in Gauteng? Whether you’re opening a tavern, launching a bottle store, or hosting a one-off event, Leon Slotow Associates is here to help. We’ll walk you through the licensing process, assess your setup, and ensure you apply for the right licence from the start.
For assistance across other provinces in South Africa, feel free to reach out — our team works nationwide.
