What's changed in South African liquor compliance

Three things have moved recently for liquor businesses: a private member's Bill before Parliament proposing a total ban on liquor advertising and promotion, a new Western Cape licensing fee schedule effective 1 December 2025, and a new QR-code verification system on National Liquor Authority certificates. Only the last two affect you today — the Bill is still in committee.

Reviewed by TefCo Compliance Research — last verified 7 September 2026.

In short

The Liquor Amendment Bill (B21-2025) proposes prohibiting liquor advertising, promotion, product placement and sponsored liquor events. It is not law.
New Western Cape licensing fees took effect on 1 December 2025 and apply to applications lodged from that date and to renewals.
The National Liquor Authority now issues certificates with QR-code and online verification because of fraudulent certificates in circulation.
Provincial fee schedules move every cycle — budget for an increase rather than last year's amount.

Liquor Amendment Bill (B21-2025): a proposed advertising ban

A private member's Bill introduced in the National Assembly on 8 September 2025 proposes amending the Liquor Act 59 of 2003 to prohibit the advertising, promotion and product placement of liquor, to prohibit using a manufacturer's brand to promote liquor, and to prohibit organised or sponsored liquor events.

It was briefed to the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition in late November 2025, with further departmental engagement scheduled during 2026. As at the review date of this guide it remains under consideration and is not law.

Nothing changes for your marketing today. What is worth doing now is knowing which parts of your revenue depend on brand sponsorship, supplier promotions and event activations, so you can respond quickly if the Bill advances.

Bills change substantially in committee. Do not restructure supplier agreements on the strength of a Bill that has not been passed — but do read your sponsorship contracts for a change-in-law clause.

Western Cape: new licensing fees from 1 December 2025

The Western Cape Liquor Authority published a revised fee schedule under the Western Cape Liquor Regulations amendment, effective 1 December 2025. The new amounts apply to applications lodged from that date and to renewals in the cycle that follows.

The Authority reviews fees ahead of each renewal period, so treat the schedule as an annual variable. Pull the current schedule from the Authority before you budget or pay.

National Liquor Authority: QR-code certificate verification

The National Liquor Authority has introduced an integrated QR code and online verification facility on the certificates it issues, in response to a rise in fraudulent certificates.

The practical impact is on due diligence. If you buy from a manufacturer or distributor, or you are a landlord or a group buying office, verify the certificate through the Authority's facility instead of filing a scanned copy. A fraudulent supplier certificate becomes your problem when the inspection arrives.

What to do this quarter

Pull the current fee schedule for every province you trade in and re-budget the renewal.
Verify every supplier's National Liquor Authority certificate through the official verification facility.
List every revenue line tied to liquor advertising, sponsorship or brand activation, so you can quantify exposure if the Bill advances.
Diarise the Bill: committee activity, not media coverage, is the signal that something is about to change.

Frequently asked

Is liquor advertising banned in South Africa?

No. A Bill proposing a ban was introduced in the National Assembly in September 2025 and remains under consideration. Existing advertising rules continue to apply until Parliament passes something.

Have liquor licence fees gone up?

In the Western Cape, yes — a new schedule took effect on 1 December 2025. Other provinces set their own fees on their own cycles, so check your province directly.

How do I check whether a liquor certificate is genuine?

For National Liquor Authority registrations, use the QR code and online verification on the certificate itself. For provincial licences, ask the issuing authority to confirm.

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.