Distribution Registration to Micro-Manufacture Liquor

You will require a Distribution Registration with the National Liquor Authority (Department of Trade and Industry) in the following instances:

• If you are a micro-manufacturer of Wine, Beer, Spirits or other alcohol and your Provincial Licence conditions do not make specific provision for distribution of your products,

• If you plan to distribute Liquor to Retailers on a wholesale basis.

If you plan to manufacture Liquor on a macro level, you will need to register with the National Liquor Authority to manufacture Liquor.

The Liquor Act 59 of 2003 was promulgated on 13 August 2004. This Act deals with registration as a Manufacturer or Distributor of Liquor on a Wholesale basis. It differs from Provincial Legislation in that it deals with Wholesale matters or Macro-manufacturing of Liquor whereas the Provincial Legislation (such as the Western Cape Liquor Act) deals with provincial micro-manufacturing and Retail Sale of Liquor.

The National Liquor Authority (the NLA) has been established to administer the Act. The NLA is housed within the consumer and corporate Regulation Division of the Department of Trade and Industry (the DTI).

The National Liquor Authority receives, evaluate and recommends applications for MACRO MANUFACTURING and DISTRIBUTION of liquor registrations. All issues that relate to the registration (including reviews, annual reviews, variation of conditions, notice to change activities, appointment of person to conduct registered activities) of macro manufacturers and distributors will be dealt with by the NLA.

A Manufacturing Registration allows the registrant to manufacture and distribute the liquor that they have manufactured to:

(a)   Another manufacturer;

(b)   A distributor;

(c)   A retail seller to an extent permitted by the condition of registration.

A distribution registration allows the registrant to offer or sell liquor only to a registered person.

A sale of liquor by a retail seller to any person, whether registered or unregistered, constitutes distribution if the retail seller:

- Knew that the purchaser intended to re-sell that liquor;  or

- Should have somehow realized that the purchaser intended to re-sell that Liquor, having regard to the circumstances of the sale, that might include a few factors outlined in the act.

Summary:  The Provinces regulate and issue licenses or permits in terms of the Micro Manufacturing and Retail Sale of Liquor and methylated spirits primarily through Provincial Liquor Boards, such as the Western Cape Liquor Board. The National Liquor Authority regulates macro-manufacturing and distribution on a whole-sale basis.

What we do:  We will gather all necessary information and documentation from you, compile your application, draft your motivation and submit your completed Application Form to the Liquor Authority.  We endeavor to track your application in the System and follow up on a regular basis to ensure that your Registration is obtained as soon as it is possible.  If you need to register a Company or need assistance with Sale or Lease Agreements, we are available to provide assistance in this regard as well.

CONTACT US for a quote to assist you with your Provincial Liquor License Application and/or National Registration at the National Liquor Authority.