Gauteng shebeen owners have until the end of February to apply for trading permits while they prepare themselves to comply with the province’s new Liquor Act.
The Gauteng liquor licensing office extended the closing date for the application of shebeen permits from January 31 to February 28, the office’s acting chief director, Charles Morolo, said on Monday.
When applying for a permit, traders need to provide a plan of their premises, proof of lawful occupation and a reason why the permit should be issued.
Some of the requirements of the new Act, in effect since November 2004, include a clear criminal record and membership of the Gauteng Liquor Traders’ Association.
Traders’ premises must also be demarcated into smoking and non-smoking sections and have separate toilets for men and women.
Morolo said that over 6 000 traders had already applied for permits. – Sapa