Food & Beverage Licence
Required for any business preparing, selling or handling food and beverages for public consumption.
- Restaurants & cafés
- Takeaway outlets
- Food trucks
- Catering companies
- Butcheries & bakeries
Quick Access
Types of Business Licences
Under the Business Act 71 of 1991, certain business activities require a licence before trading can commence. Find your category below.
Health & Beauty Licence
Required for businesses offering personal care, wellness and grooming services to the public.
- Hair salons & barbershops
- Nail & beauty salons
- Tattoo & piercing studios
- Massage & spa services
- Gyms & fitness centres
Trade & Retail Licence
Required for shops, trading stores and premises selling goods to the public.
- General dealers
- Spaza shops
- Clothing stores
- Electronics shops
- Hardware stores
Liquor Licence Endorsement
Municipal endorsement required for provincial liquor licence applications and renewals.
- Bottle stores
- Restaurants with bar
- Taverns & pubs
- Nightclubs
- Wine bars
Health Care Facility Licence
Required for clinics, medical practices and health-related businesses operating in the municipal area.
- Private clinics
- Medical practices
- Dental surgeries
- Physiotherapy centres
- Veterinary practices
Entertainment Venue Licence
Required for cinemas, event venues, nightclubs and public entertainment premises.
- Cinemas
- Event venues
- Conference centres
- Nightclubs
- Theatres
Application Process
1
Enquiry
Confirm which licence category your business falls under with the Business Licensing desk.
1–2 days2
Zoning Check
Obtain a zoning certificate from Town Planning confirming your business is permitted at that address.
14 days3
Health Inspection
For food, health and beauty premises, request a site inspection from Environmental Health.
3–7 days4
Compile Documents
Gather all required documents — ID, lease, zoning, health certificate, fire clearance.
Your timeline5
Submit Application
Submit at the Civic Centre or by email. Pay the assessed licence fee on submission.
Day 16
Approval & Certificate
Once verified, your business licence certificate is issued. Display it prominently at your premises.
21 daysSubmission Requirements
Applicant Details
- Copy of applicant's ID
- CIPC company registration
- Contact details
- Tax clearance certificate
- B-BBEE certificate (if available)
Premises Information
- Signed lease agreement or title deed
- Zoning certificate
- Certificate of Acceptability (COA)
- Fire clearance certificate
- Photos of premises (inside & outside)
Supporting Documents
- Business plan summary
- Proof of business bank account
- Public liability insurance (if required)
- Health & safety policy
- Signed application form
Zoning & Health Certificates
Zoning Certificate
Confirms that your intended business activity is permitted on the property where you want to trade. Required before a business licence can be issued.
- Issued by Town Planning
- Fee: R250
- Processing: 14 working days
Certificate of Acceptability (COA)
Issued by Environmental Health to food premises confirming compliance with food safety regulations (R638 of 2018).
- Required for food businesses
- Free of charge
- Site inspection required
Fire Safety Certificate
Issued by the Fire Department for premises that pose fire risks or accommodate the public. Required for most commercial premises.
- Issued by Emergency Services
- Fee: Variable by premises
- Annual renewal required
Business Support Programmes
Beyond licensing, Matjhabeng LED supports local entrepreneurs through training, funding linkages and premises support.
SEDA Support
Free business development support, mentorship and business plan assistance.
Visit SEDASEFA Funding
Access to finance for small businesses, cooperatives and entrepreneurs.
Visit SEFALED Programmes
Municipal Local Economic Development initiatives including training and market access.
View LEDSMME Support
Small business support through the Department of Small Business Development.
Visit DSBDFrequently Asked Questions
Submit or Enquire
Walk-In Submission
Bring your complete documentation to the Business Licensing desk at the Civic Centre.
- Welkom Civic Centre
- Mon – Fri · 7:30 – 16:00
Email Enquiries
For guidance on your specific business type and requirements.
- licensing@matjhabeng.co.za
- Scan documents under 20MB
Call the Business Desk
Speak to a licensing officer before submitting your application.
- (+27) 57 391 3911
- Office hours only