Do I need a licence for a private wedding at home?

If alcohol is given away free to genuinely private guests, generally no. If guests pay anything for drinks or the event is ticketed, yes.

Can a venue's permanent licence cover my event?

Only if the event falls fully within that licence's conditions — ask the venue for written confirmation.

Alcohol & Events

Temporary Liquor Licence in South Africa

In plain English

Selling alcohol at a once-off event — a festival, wedding venue hire, market or fundraiser — requires a temporary or special event liquor licence issued under the provincial liquor act. Selling without one is a criminal offence, even at a private function where guests pay.

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Who needs this permit

Event organisers, venues hosting one-off ticketed functions, charities running bars at fundraisers, and caterers supplying and serving alcohol for sale.

When is it required

Whenever liquor is sold (including in a ticket price that includes drinks) at an event or premises not covered by a permanent licence.

Eligibility

An adult applicant with no disqualifying convictions
An approved event or venue with landowner consent
Compliance with trading hours and age-verification rules

Documents you need before applying

Provincial liquor authority application form
ID copy and tax details of the applicant
Event details: date, venue, expected attendance
Landowner or venue consent letter
The municipal event permit where one is required
The prescribed fee

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
Apply to the provincial liquor authority
Each province has its own liquor board or authority and its own deadlines — often 14 to 30 days before the event.
2
Attach the event and venue approvals
Applications without the event permit or venue consent are routinely refused or delayed.
3
Display the licence at the bar
Keep it on site during the event, sell only within the licensed hours, and never serve under-18s.

Where, how much, how long

Where to apply

The provincial liquor licensing authority (for example the Western Cape Liquor Authority or Gauteng Liquor Board).

Fees

A few hundred rand per event in most provinces; confirm the current tariff with the authority.

Processing time

Apply at least 3–4 weeks ahead; some provinces accept shorter timelines for small events.

Validity

The specific event and hours only.

Renewal

There is no renewal — a new application is required for each event. Frequent events (e.g. a market that runs monthly) usually need a full liquor licence instead.