This is according to the spokesperson at the Provincial Department of Economic Development, Small Business, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Kgotso Tau, who said that those who do not renew their licences by the said date will be violating their licence conditions and considered to be flouting the law and will be considered as illegal liquor operators, the consequence of which will be law enforcement agencies clamping down on them and possibly even revoking those licences.

This stern warning from the provincial department comes after the MEC of the said department recently made a landmark decision to harmonise license fees as it was found that there were discrepancies between the licence fees paid by liquor licence holders in the province.

In November last year, Mahasa issued a communication to members of the increase of 4,4% across the board in terms of Section 36 of the Free State Gambling and Liquor Act No 6 of 2010. However, based on comments she received from stakeholders, licence holders, as well as members of the public, she was then made aware that licence holders who received their licences under the National Liquor Act 27 of 1989 were paying fees significantly lower than those whose licenses were issued in terms of the Free State Gambling Liquor and Tourism Act 6 of 2010.

After considering all inputs, Mahasa then published a final notice wherein she announced on 30 November 2018 that all licence holders in the province, including tavern owners, who hold a similar licence, would pay the same licence tariff. Tau said these tariffs have been payable since 2 December and it is expected that by 28 February 2019, all licence holders would have paid their licence fees as this will be the last day to do so. Licence holders in Bloemfontein are urged to renew their annual liquor licenses at the Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Authority offices at 111 Zastron Street, while holders in other towns across the province are urged to contact their nearest local office in Parys, Welkom, Bethlehem, and Trompsburg.

For enquiries, license holders are urged to call 051-404-0300/2. “In the execution of her oversight role on the industry, the MEC endeavours to ensure that there is always the correct balance between regulation and enforcement by ensuring that the applicable legislation is in line with other relevant legislation in South Africa,” Tau said. He concluded by adding that Mahasa is committed to ongoing consultation with all stakeholders, including members of the community, to reduce the socio-economic and other effects of alcohol abuse.

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