Newcastle business owners will have to renew their business licenses by the end of January 2023 or face the consequences.
This follows the Newcastle Municipality issuing a notice for business license renewals for operating a business in terms of Regulation 14(2) of the Business Act, 1991, 1991 (ACT No.71 of 1991).
According to the Newcastle Municipality, “Every license holder must lodge a renewal application with the relevant licensing authority, Newcastle Local Municipality, by no later than 3 pm on the last working day of January 2023.”
The Municipality noted that failure to renew a business license by 31 January 2023 will result in non-compliance, and the Municipality’s Law Enforcement Team will then be visiting the said business premises to issue penalties.
Keeping the above-mentioned in mind, the recent notice issued by Newcastle’s Municipal Manager Zamani Mcineka, highlights that the respective business license holders are required to provide the following key information:
- Confirmation that the business for which the license was issued, is continuing to be conducted from premises specified in the license and that no other business for which a license is required in terms of the Act is being conducted for the same licensed premised.
In terms of Schedule 1 of the Business Act the following items require that businesses must have a license:
- Item 1: Sale or supply of meals or perishables foodstuffs.
- Item 2: Provision of certain types of health facilities or entertainment.
- Item 3: Hawking meals or perishables foodstuffs.
For new applications, the Newcastle Municipality highlighted that the following documents are required upon application pm the e-license system:
- Certified copies of identity documents or passport of the business owner and manager,
- Approved building plans for the business premises.
- Proof of payment of R230 license fee.
- Copies of company registration documents for the business.
- Special consent in terms of Land Use Management.
- Landlord’s consent/proof of property ownership.
“A late renewal fee of R230 (including VAT) is charged for any license renewal lodged after 3 pm, 31 January 2023. Also, note that the Municipality reserves its right not to issue renewal licenses on non-compliant business premises, and such conduct may result in fines and penalties,” said the Newcastle Municipality.
For further enquiries, business license holders are encouraged to contact the Business Licensing Unit at the Newcastle Municipality. The office is situated at B402, 37 Murchison Street. Or you can call them on you 034 328 7600.
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