The Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) has officially implemented new liquor regulations, which came into effect on 1 March 2025.
These regulations are aimed at strengthening compliance and promoting responsible liquor trading throughout the province by creatiing a more structured framework for licensing, monitoring, and enforcement of liquor retail sales and micro-manufacturing activities in the Eastern Cape.
Enacted under the Eastern Cape Liquor Act 10 of 2003, the regulations mark a significant shift towards more stringent oversight of the liquor industry.
Board CEO, Dr. Nombuyiselo Makala emphasized the importance of these regulatory changes, stating that "The introduction of these new regulations reinforces our commitment to ensuring that liquor trading in the Eastern Cape is conducted in a responsible and compliant manner."
One of the major changes involves the integration of municipal requirements in the liquor licensing process.
Liquor licence applicants are now required to obtain municipal zoning approvals, population certifications, and adhere to local business operating regulations. This new integration ensures that the licensing process aligns with broader community and urban planning needs.
Another key regulatory change is the emphasis on on-site accountability.
In an effort to prevent operational neglect and ensure better management, the regulations now mandate that either the registered liquor licence holder or an officially appointed manager must be physically present on the premises during trading hours.
This is intended to improve the overall oversight and ensure they operate in compliance with the law at all times.
The new regulations also focus on community engagement. Applicants for liquor licences must now notify educational institutions and places of worship within a 500-metre radius of their premises.
This is to give local communities the opportunity to participate in the licensing process, ensuring that public concerns are heard and considered.
Additionally, the age verification process has also been strengthened. All registered liquor outlets are now required to implement mandatory age verification measures to prevent underage drinking.
These measures include checking identification before the sale of alcohol and displaying clear age restriction signage at the entrance of the premises. This step is in line with the broader goal of promoting responsible drinking practices and safeguarding minors from exposure to alcohol.
In a significant financial change, the ECLB has announced an increase in licensing fees, the first fee adjustment in over ten years.
The Board said the revised fees are aimed at supporting its operational needs and enhancing the capacity to enforce the new regulations effectively.
The increased revenue will be directed towards improving compliance monitoring, inspections, and the overall functionality of the board.
Dr Makala concluded by saying that "the integration with municipal requirements strengthens our regulatory approach, while the presence of responsible persons at licensed premises ensures accountability."
Speaking on the age verification measures, she stated that "The strict enforcement of age verification measures will safeguard minors from exposure to alcohol. These reforms will not only enhance industry compliance but also promote a safer and more responsible liquor trade environment."
