New Action Plan to Eradicate Liquor Licence Application Red Tape

Western Cape Minister in charge of liquor regulation, Alan Winde, and the newly established Western Cape Liquor Authority have put an action plan in place to deal swiftly and decisively with the backlog of applications for liquor licences under the old Act.

The aim is to eradicate the backlog in six months.

"The Authority is putting an action plan in place to reduce red tape. Advertisements for members of a new committee of the Liquor Licensing Tribunal will be released as a matter of urgency. This committee will deal with licence transfers, application for licence renewals and objections to licence renewals. This will increase the capacity of the tribunal to deal with the backlog of licence applications received under the previous Liquor Act, which is where we find the biggest bottle-neck," said Minister Winde.

Minister Winde said the new process would make it easier for business people to operate in the Western Cape

"We do not want to a situation where people are burdened with unnecessary red tape while attempting to legalise their businesses. As we have emphasised, our liquor laws aim to regulate the industry and eliminate illegal outlets, not hinder economic growth."

Minister Winde added there had already been marked improvements in the allocation of events permits.

"In the past my office received several complaints that events permits were not being considered in a timely manner. With new processes in place, plus a call to participants to submit early, we have managed to turn this around so that applications are considered months in advance. This gives more certainty to event organisers."

Thys Giliomee, the Chief Executive Officer of the Western Cape Liquor Authority, said the licencing tribunal had put dedicated capacity and resources in place to deal with the backlog of applications that were received before the promulgation of the new Act.

"As part of our outreach to the liquor industry and interested parties, we will also inform the public as we go along on progress we make in addressing this red tape and improving the level of service that the Liquor Authority provides," said Giliomee.

"In return, we request that liquor licence and events permit licence applicants ensure that every aspect of the application process is met before they submit their requests to us for consideration. With all the information at hand, we will be able to consider the application more quickly and ease waiting times for applicants."