National Liquor Authority (NLA) Frequently Asked Questions

Question Answer
1. What is the National Liquor Authority (NLA)? The National Liquor Authority is a regulatory body within the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) responsible for administering The National Liquor Act 2003 (Act No.59 of 2003).
2. What is the role and function of NLA and NLA is responsible for the regulation of macro manufacturers and distributors of liquor.
3. Who does The National Liquor Act apply to? The Act applies to the registered macro-manufactures and distributors of liquor.
4. Who is a macro manufacturer? A macro manufacturer is a person or entity that manufactures liquor above the prescribed volume thresholds i.e.

Beer: 100 million litres
Sorghum beer : 50 million litres (traditional African beer)
Wine : 4 million litres
Spirits: 2 million litres

5. Who is a micro-manufacturer? A micro manufacturer is a person or entity that manufactures liquor (beer, sorghum beer, wine and spirits) below the prescribed thresholds of macro-manufactures.
6. Who is a liquor distributor? A distributor is a person or entity that is registered with NLA and sells liquor only to other liquor license holders.
7. Are there prescribed distribution volume thresholds for liquor distributors? No, there are no prescribed distribution volumes thresholds for liquor distributors.
8. Who is a liquor retailer? A liquor retailer is a licensed liquor trader that is licensed to only sell liquor to consumers above the drinking age limit (18 years). Examples of retailers include liquor stores, restaurants, pubs, bottle- stores, retail outlets and taverns.
9. How do I apply for a manufacturing and/or distribution license? You need to visit the NLA online system https://thenla.thedti.gov.za or visit the dti Campus NLA Walk-in Centre. All the instructions should be properly followed and required information provided.
10. Can a liquor trader hold a dual license for both macro manufacturing and distribution? Yes; a liquor trader can be both a macro- manufacturer and a distributor of liquor. The applicant will have to submit an application clearly stating the request on the application form.
11. Where can a person apply for a macro manufacturing and/or distribution registration? You need to visit the NLA online system on https://thenla.thedti.gov.za or visit the dti Campus NLA Walk-in Centre. All the instructions should be properly followed and required information provided.
12. Where can a person apply for a micro- manufacturing or retail liquor license? An application for a micro-manufacturing and or retailing license may be lodged with a Provincial Liquor Authority/Board
13. When can I submit a new application? Anytime via the NLA online system. https://thenla.thedti.gov.za
14. Are there any fees payable when applying for a liquor registration? Yes. There is a set of prescribed fees for various types of transactions, for example for new application, an annual renewal fee, transfers, relocations and alterations of registered activities.
15. Do I have to pay when lodging an application with the NLA? All new registrants are obliged to pay an initial application fee of R500 and once approved you are required to pay a registration fee of R2000 (minimum), depending on the threshold volume. (See prescribed fees)
16. How do I make a payment if I am a new applicant? You can deposit cash/bank guaranteed/electronically transfer the funds into the account number below:

Parent Name: Department of Trade and Industry
Bank: Standard Bank
Name of account: Liquor License Deposit
Type of account: Business Current Account
Account number: 370 650 077
Branch: Sunnyside
Branch code: 01 0645
Reference Number for new applications: 01/Trading name

17. What happens if my application has been rejected, do I get my application fee back? No. The application fee of R500 is non-refundable. It is only refundable if NLA does not have jurisdiction over the application.
18. If I am already an existing registrant and want to transfer my registration to someone else, am I allowed to and how do I do it? Yes, you can make the transfer to someone else if all the prescribed requirements are met. A trading registration can be transferred by filing NLA 1 and NLA 14 and submitted to the NLA and paying the prescribed transfer fee of R1500 (minimum) depending on the threshold. (See prescribed fees)
19. If I am already registered with NLA and want to relocate to new premises, will my application for relocation be granted? Yes, relocation can be made by filing NLA 14 and paying the prescribed relocation fees of R1500 (minimum) depending on the threshold. (See prescribed fees). The application will be considered and granted if all the relocation requirements are met, for example premises relocated to a zoned area.
20. How do I renew my macro manufacturing and/or distribution registration? You need to complete form NLA 28 with accompanying documents, pay the annual renewal fee and submit it to the NLA. Renewal should be done a month before the expiry of the registration.
21. How do I make payment if I need to renew my registration license? Payments can be made into the Standard bank account or at the dti. The reference should clearly be written number as follows;
Reference for Renewal: 03/RG No/Trading name
22. What happens if I do not renew my registration? If the registration is not renewed within the time required, a grace period of two (2) months after expiry will be granted with penalties included. If the registration is still not paid after the grace period, it will be cancelled.
23. Can I continue to trade without a valid liquor registration? No. If your liquor registration has been cancelled you cannot continue to trade. Trading without a license is an offence punishable by law.
24. Can an applicant operate with an acknowledgement letter or NLA 6 from NLA? No, you cannot operate/ trade with an acknowledgement letter or NLA 6, you can only start operating business once you have paid and received a registration certificate; NLA 9.
25. Which zoning certificate does NLA require for new applications, relocations etc? A business zoning certificate for industrial purposed or a consent letter from the relevant municipality or a consent letter from the traditional authority in an area which is under a traditional authority.
26. Are registrants required to keep records of the traders they sell liquor to? Yes, NLA registrants are required to keep records (invoices) of entities to which liquor has been sold to?
27. Where can registrants submit their complaints? email: nationalliquorauthority@thedti.gov.za the dti call center at 0861 843 384

 

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