A tavern or club in South Africa is a licensed establishment that serves alcoholic beverages, often combined with food and entertainment. It can range from a small neighborhood tavern to a large nightclub with DJs and live music. To start a successful tavern, shebeen, pub, or club, you need to follow a structured process, including business registration, liquor licensing, health and safety compliance, and tax registration. Before starting, decide on the type of establishment you want to operate:

Type of Business Model

1. Tavern
2. Pub
3. Nightclub
4. Shebeen
5. Bar Lounge

1. Tavern: A casual drinking spot with food and music.
2. Pub: A sit-down establishment offering alcoholic drinks and meals.
3. Nightclub: A dance and entertainment venue with DJs and themed events.
4. Shebeen: A township-based drinking spot, often informal.
5. Bar Lounge: A stylish bar with a relaxed atmosphere.

Step 2: Register the Business

To operate legally, you must register your business:

• Register with CIPC
• Register for Tax (SARS)
• Apply for a Business Bank Account: Open a separate account for transactions.

Step 3: Obtain a Liquor License

In South Africa, selling alcohol without a valid liquor license is illegal. You must apply through your provincial Liquor Board.

Types of Liquor Licenses

• Tavern Liquor License: Allows selling alcohol for on-site consumption.
• Pub/Bar Liquor License: Suitable for serving alcohol and food.
• Club Liquor License: Needed for nightclubs or members-only establishments.
• Micro-Manufacturing Liquor License: For brewing and selling beer or spirits.

Liquor License Application Process

1. Find your provincial liquor board and apply:
   • Gauteng Liquor Board: gauteng.gov.za
   • Western Cape Liquor Authority: wcba.gov.za
   • KwaZulu-Natal Liquor Authority: kznedtea.gov.za
   • Eastern Cape Liquor Board: eclb.co.za
   • Mpumalanga Economic Regulator: mer.org.za
2. Submit Business Documents: Proof of registration, ID, lease agreement.
3. Health & Safety Inspection: Fire safety and hygiene approval required.
4. Community Approval: Public notices must be displayed for objections.
5. Pay Licensing Fees: Costs vary by province (R3,000–R15,000).

2. Compliance & Legal Requirements

1. Business & Tax Compliance

• Register with SARS.
• Get a Municipal Business License → Apply at your local municipality
• Register for UIF & Compensation Fund if hiring employees → Labour Department

2. Health & Safety Compliance

• Fire Safety Clearance: From the local Fire Department
• Health Department Inspection: Ensure clean restrooms, kitchen, and storage
• Noise & Environmental Permit: If playing loud music → Check Environmental Affairs

3. Alcohol & Public Safety Regulations

• Liquor Board Registration → Provincial Liquor Boards
• No Alcohol Sales to Underage Customers (Under 18)
• Obtain a Music License (If Playing Music in the Venue) → SAMRO License

3. Business Setup & Marketing Strategy

1. Choosing a Location

• High foot traffic areas work best.
• Township locations need extra security measures.
• Close to transportation hubs for convenience.

2. Setting Up the Tavern or Club

• Buy Equipment & Stock:
• Bar counters, seating, sound system, fridges, glasses
• Alcohol stock from registered distributors
• Hire Staff: Bartenders, security, cashiers, DJs

3. Marketing & Promotion

• Create a website: Online Biz Makers can build a custom tavern website with the TastyC theme.
• Click (here) for a live preview of the theme.
• Social Media Advertising: Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp promotions.
• Events & Happy Hours: Host live music nights, comedy shows, or beer specials.

4. Tavern & Club Tenders in South Africa

Tavern and club owners can apply for government tenders related to alcohol supply, events, and hospitality services.

Where to Find Tenders?

• National Government Tenders: eTenders Portal
• Municipal Liquor Supply Tenders: Check your local municipality website.
• Tourism & Hospitality Grants: DTIC Business Support
• Small Business Funding for Taverns & Clubs: SEFA Funding
• Register with CSD (Central Supplier Database)

5. Benefits of Running a Tavern or Club Business

• High Demand: Alcohol sales remain profitable.
• Multiple Income Streams: Drinks, food, events, and private bookings.
• Scalability: Expand to multiple locations or franchises.
• Networking & Community Influence: Builds strong local business connections.

What will Online Biz Makers do for you?

• Register Your Tavern/Club Business with CIPC,
• File Beneficial Ownership & Annual Return.
• CSD
• Logo
• Business Card
• Share Certificate
• Guidance
• Design Your Website using the Tastyc Theme.

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