The full compliance file for a restaurant, café or food-handling premises

A food-service business that can show a valid Certificate of Acceptability, a municipal business licence, staff food-handling training records, and — where it applies — a liquor licence and TOMSA levy registration, has the core file most inspections check.

Reviewed by TefCo Compliance Research — last verified 15 September 2026.

In short

The Certificate of Acceptability and the municipal business licence are separate applications, both required.
A liquor licence is a distinct provincial process from the Certificate of Acceptability — most provinces run their own liquor act.
The tourism levy (TOMSA) is a voluntary industry scheme, not a statutory tax, but participating businesses must collect and remit it monthly once registered.

Food safety and premises file

Valid Certificate of Acceptability displayed conspicuously on the premises, or immediately available on request if display is impractical [2](https://ascfoodsafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/R638-of-2018-Regulations-governing-general-hygiene-requirements-for-food-premises-the-transport-of-food-and-related-matters.pdf).
Original application form and any endorsements made by the municipality (added or removed restrictions).
Records of any change in the person in charge, with proof the municipality was notified within 30 days.
Food handler training records for the person in charge and food handlers.
Pest control contracts and service records.
Water quality and temperature control records where the R638 conditions require them (e.g. cold chain, milk handling).
Municipal business licence covering the preparation and sale of meals, separate from the Certificate of Acceptability [5](https://www.capetown.gov.za/_documents/resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures,%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Certificate-of-Acceptability-FAQs.pdf).

Liquor licence file, where alcohol is served

Provincial liquor licence appropriate to the outlet type (on-consumption/restaurant licence in most provinces), issued under the applicable provincial liquor act — for example the Western Cape Liquor Act 4 of 2008 [6](https://www.wcla.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Western-Cape-Liquor-Act-2008.pdf).
Proof the outlet meets the national norms and standards for liquor licensing set by the Liquor Act 59 of 2003, which each province's liquor act must be consistent with [7](https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/201409/a59-03.pdf).
Records of manager appointment where the provincial act requires a designated, disqualification-checked manager on the licence.

A Certificate of Acceptability does not cover the sale of alcohol. Liquor licensing is a separate provincial process, run by each province's own liquor board or authority, and the two applications should not be treated as substitutes for each other.

Tourism levy (TOMSA) file, for accommodation and tour operators

The tourism levy is a voluntary, private-sector scheme administered by Tourism Marketing South Africa (TOMSA) on behalf of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa — it is not a statutory tax, and participation is a business decision, but once collected from guests it must be remitted monthly [8](https://tomsa.co.za/levy-faq/).

TOMSA levy contributor agreement, if the business has opted in to collect the 1% tourism levy on accommodation, tour, car rental or travel agency services [8](https://tomsa.co.za/levy-faq/).
Monthly consolidation and payment records of levies collected, submitted to the levy administrator.
Grading certificate from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, if pursuing TOMSA promotional benefits that require grading.

Frequently asked

Is the Certificate of Acceptability the same as a business licence?

No. The Certificate of Acceptability is a food-safety document issued under R638; a separate municipal business licence is generally required to operate and sell meals [5](https://www.capetown.gov.za/_documents/resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures,%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Certificate-of-Acceptability-FAQs.pdf).

Do we need a liquor licence in addition to the Certificate of Acceptability?

Yes, if the business sells or serves alcohol. That is a separate provincial licence under the relevant provincial liquor act, on top of the Certificate of Acceptability for the food side of the business.

Is collecting the tourism levy compulsory?

No — TOMSA describes participation as voluntary for businesses, though the levy is meant to be paid by every tourist at participating establishments once a business has opted in [8](https://tomsa.co.za/levy-faq/).

Sources

TefCo Corporate Compliance (Pty) Ltd is a compliance management platform, not a legal, tax or advisory firm. This guide is general information, not advice. Fees, dates and thresholds change — confirm current figures with the regulator before you rely on them.