When does the Safety at Events Act apply?

It applies to events at venues and to events where SAPS categorises the risk. The national commissioner and the local authority determine the category from crowd size, venue and history — ask your municipal events office early.

Do I need security guards?

For most public entertainment yes, and they must be registered with PSIRA.

Is a private party at home covered?

A genuinely private gathering usually isn't, but noise by-laws still apply and neighbours can complain.

Can I sell alcohol on the entertainment permit?

No. Alcohol sales need a liquor licence or a temporary liquor licence from the provincial liquor authority.

Alcohol & Events

Temporary Entertainment Permit

In plain English

A temporary entertainment permit covers public entertainment at a venue or open space — live music, DJs, dances, concerts and performances — under municipal by-laws and, for larger crowds, the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act 2 of 2010.

View requirements Visit official website

Who needs this permit

Promoters, venue owners, sports clubs, schools and community organisations hosting public entertainment that is not part of the venue's ordinary approved use.

When is it required

Before tickets go on sale where possible, and always before the event. Larger events need a safety certificate from SAPS in terms of the Safety at Events Act.

Eligibility

The venue has the correct land-use rights or consent use for public entertainment
Occupancy and fire safety requirements can be met
A safety and security plan is in place appropriate to the crowd size

Documents you need before applying

Completed municipal event / entertainment application
Site or venue plan showing exits, stages and emergency routes
Fire department approval and occupancy certificate
Public liability insurance
Noise management plan and, where needed, a noise exemption
Medical and safety plan (private ambulance service on standby for larger events)
SAPS event safety approval for events falling under the Safety at Events Act
Liquor licence or temporary liquor permit if alcohol is sold

Download a printable checklist

A one-page PDF of everything you need to bring with you. Tick items off before you go.

How to apply — step by step

1
Confirm the venue's land-use rights
A hall zoned for community use may not be allowed to host ticketed concerts without consent use. This is the most common late-stage blocker.
2
Lodge the event application with the municipality
Most cities have an events office that circulates the application to fire, traffic, health, disaster management and SAPS.
3
Attend the event safety planning meeting
For medium and large events, a joint operations committee meets to sign off on the safety plan.
4
Arrange noise, liquor and medical approvals
Amplified music beyond the by-law hours needs a noise exemption; alcohol sales need a separate temporary liquor licence.
5
Keep approvals on site during the event
Inspectors and SAPS can shut down an event where the paperwork is not available.

Where, how much, how long

Where to apply

The events office of your local municipality, with parallel applications to SAPS, the fire department and the provincial liquor authority where relevant.

Fees

Municipal application and venue hire fees vary widely by city and crowd size, and medical, security and insurance costs are usually the larger part of the budget.

Processing time

Small events: 2–4 weeks. Large events with a SAPS safety certificate: 2–3 months or more.

Validity

The specific event dates and hours approved.

Renewal

A new application is required for each event, though recurring events can sometimes get a season approval.

Common mistakes to avoid

Selling tickets before the venue's approvals are confirmed
Underestimating attendance, which changes the safety category
Forgetting the noise exemption for music after by-law hours
Serving alcohol on a permit that does not cover sales

Tips to speed up your application

Book the medical service and PSIRA-registered security early — they issue the letters the municipality wants
Keep a printed approval file at the entrance gate
Do a sound test the day before to check you are inside the noise limits