Liquor licence deadline for Limpopo extended to December 31
One significant change in the new licensing rules is that some liquor outlets must now close at midnight, instead of the previous 02:00 closure time.
POLOKWANE – The Economic Development Department has extended the expiration of current national liquor licences in Limpopo to December 31.
This extension, announced through a media statement on Sunday by spokesperson Zaid Kalla, pushes back the original August 31 deadline.
The extension comes despite over 50% of liquor licencees having already submitted applications to convert their historical licences.
The department remains concerned about those who have not yet done so, warning that failure to comply could result in unlicensed trading or violations of the Limpopo Liquor Act No.5 of 2009.
One significant change in the new licensing rules is that some liquor outlets must now close at midnight, instead of the previous 02:00 closure time.
Read more: New law will prevent liquor trading after midnight in Limpopo
This amendment has been a major point of contention, with stakeholders arguing it will negatively impact their income.
Last year, dissatisfaction erupted among sellers and artists when they learned about the new law.
Read more: Lim Liquor Act’s Midnight Law gets backlash from industry
Although the department insisted the law was developed in consultation with stakeholders and the public, there was significant pushback.
In response, the EFF and Liquor Associations launched a legal challenge against the Limpopo Liquor Act of 2009 in the Limpopo High Court in Polokwane.
The court dismissed an urgent application by the Sekhukhune Liquor Traders Association to suspend the Act. Subsequently, the department extended the conversion deadline to August 31, acknowledging concerns about inadequate public participation in the amendment process.
The majority of liquor traders have already converted their licences.
During a recent roadshow, it was reported that communities from various policing areas are now responsible for ensuring all liquor traders comply with trading hours and other regulations.
The police have emphasised that starting August 1, they will enforce the law without fear or favour.
The Economic Development Department stressed it does not wish to penalise businesses that fail to convert their licences, and is processing all received applications. Establishments that have submitted their conversion applications will receive confirmation messages and new licence certificates with updated conditions in the coming months.
“The department lacks the desire to penalise local businesses or enforce closures due to the non-conversion of licences. We remain hopeful that 100% of our liquor traders will remain operational post December 31, 2024,” the statement read.
