We solve business safety and licensing hassles

In terms of the relevant Town planning scheme.

In terms of the Liquor Act and legislation.

• Obtain power of attorney and permission to do an audit at the premises.
• Arrange a suitable time and date for the audit.
• Conduct the audit regarding paperwork and a general site inspection.
• Compile and print the report.
• Deliver the report and recommendations.

• In most cases the above applications and submissions will require zoning information and an SG diagram.
• Sometimes the applicant cannot provide previous or approved building plans or site plans, and the records department of building control will be consulted.

• Johannesburg council has the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) which manages all their property including sidewalks and pavements.
• In some cases Metro Police or SAPS will recommend or request that permission is obtained for using part of a pavement or sidewalk for business purposes.

• In most cases the plan submission will require approval stamps from various departments.
• These stamps speed up the circulation and approval process on pending applications.
• Submitting of plans at the local authority.

Before plans are submitted, a scrutiny of the plans is done to determine if they are correct and will pass minimum requirements for approval.

• In terms of SABS 10400, any and all premises, free-standing and in-line buildings, shops and premises, must have an occupation certificate.
• The occupation certificate is proof that the premises are safe to occupy.
• The occupation certificate is processed and issued when the building inspector has received copies of the electrical certificate, plumbing certificate, glazing certificate, roofing certificate, fire safety certificate, copy of approved building plans, zoning certificate, engineering completion form, plumber completion form and COA.

In terms of promulgated Fire Safety By-laws and National Building Regulations and applicable SANS and SABS codes.

• The Fire Safety Inspection and Certificate is compulsory when an application is lodged for a business license, COA, health permits and liquor license application.
• The Fire Safety Inspection fee covers only 2 inspections; additional inspections have to be paid for again.
• The Fire Safety Inspection will only be conducted if an approved Fire Plan is available.
• The certificate is issued on confirming proof of an approved fire plan and compliance with fire safety regulations in terms of SABS 10400 and local council fire safety by-laws.
• If any changes occur in regard to management or particulars, the council must be informed within 21 working days.

• Some local councils like Johannesburg have promulgated by-laws regulating certain businesses.
• Nursing homes, crèches, after-care schools, offensive trades, cosmetic and hair salons and funeral homes.
• These permits will only be issued if the premises comply with the by-laws and the Health department has consulted with other departments and received in-order reports.
• These permits are issued in a person’s name and become null and void if ownership or management changes.

• The Certificate of Acceptability is issued in terms of the Foodstuffs and Cosmetics Act.
• The COA is issued anywhere where any form of foodstuffs fit for human consumption is prepared or served.
• The COA inspection will only be conducted if an approved internal layout plan is available.
• The COA will only be issued after the premises have been inspected and found to be in order.
• The COA is issued in a person’s name and becomes null and void if ownership or structural changes occur.
• The COA will be required by the Liquor Board in the final steps of a liquor license application.
• If any changes occur in regard to management or particulars, the council must be informed within 21 working days.

• The business license is required by law in terms of the Businesses Act (Act 71 of 1991).
• This Act has 3 schedules which define what businesses are required to have a business license.
• Foodstuffs formal and informal business premises.
• Place of Entertainment and Place of Health business premises.
• The business license will only be issued when 4 departments of council have been consulted and in-order reports have been received.
• A business license can be issued to an entity, sole proprietor, partnership or trust, and is not transferable when ownership changes: it becomes null and void.
• If any changes occur in regard to management or particulars, the council must be informed within 21 working days.