The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) has urged liquor traders across the province to convert their existing liquor licences before submitting applications for their 2026/27 annual renewals.
The department says the conversion process is essential to ensure that licences originally issued under the repealed Liquor Act of 1989 comply with the North West Liquor Licensing Act 6 of 2016, as amended.
Through its Liquor Authority Directorate, DEDECT will embark on a province-wide awareness and support campaign to help liquor traders understand the conversion and renewal requirements under the current legislation.
The initiative is also intended to assist traders in bringing their businesses into compliance and avoiding potential disruptions to their operations.
Liquor licence conversion determines trading conditions
The conversion process will establish the appropriate licence category for each trader, including the applicable trading days and permitted operating hours.
DEDECT has emphasised that liquor traders must ensure their licences remain valid and comply with the current provincial legislation.
The department has warned that operating with an expired or lapsed liquor licence is unlawful and could expose traders to enforcement action.
It has also raised concerns about businesses whose licences previously became invalid after traders failed to complete their annual renewals.
Traders are therefore encouraged to address any outstanding conversion requirements before proceeding with their 2026/27 renewal applications.
Province-wide campaign to assist liquor traders
The department’s campaign will cover all four districts of the North West, with officials scheduled to engage directly with liquor traders in various areas.
The programme will begin in the Vryburg region before moving to Potchefstroom.
Further engagements are planned for Madibeng, Ga-Rankuwa, Rustenburg and Mogwase, while additional awareness activities will be conducted in other parts of the province, including Mahikeng.
Through these engagements, the Liquor Authority Directorate aims to explain the requirements of the current legislation and guide traders through the necessary administrative processes.
The campaign will also provide an opportunity for business owners to seek clarification on licence conversion, renewals and compliance obligations.
Traders warned against liquor licence renewal scams
Meanwhile, DEDECT has cautioned liquor traders to remain vigilant against scammers who may attempt to exploit the conversion and renewal process.
The department has warned that fraudulent individuals could approach traders requesting money or personal information while falsely claiming to represent DEDECT or the North West Liquor Board.
Traders have been advised to verify all information and payment requests through official departmental communication channels before making payments or sharing personal details.
They are also urged not to hand money to individuals claiming to be government officials without first confirming their identity and authority.
Where liquor traders can get assistance
Liquor traders who require information or assistance with the conversion and annual renewal processes can contact the North West Liquor Authority directly.
The department has provided the following contact numbers:
- 018 388 5858
- 018 388 5941
DEDECT is encouraging all liquor traders to take the necessary steps to ensure their licences are converted and renewed in accordance with provincial legislation.
With the 2026/27 renewal period approaching, early compliance could help businesses avoid unnecessary delays, penalties and possible interruptions to trading.
