Barney’s Tavern in Hermanus received a special visit from the Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, last week.
The popular venue was one of three liquor outlets that received a visit from the MEC who handed over their liquor licence certificates, after they were among the first to renew their licence online via the newly launched eLicence Portal.
The MEC was accompanied by the eLicence Portal project leads from the Western Cape Liquor Authority (WCLA).
The eLicence Portal, which is an initiative of the WCLA, supported by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s (Dedat) Ease of Doing Business Unit, went live on 1 October. Through the development of an online client services platform, the WCLA aims to improve efficiency and accessibility, while creating value for stakeholders.
Allen said: “I commend the WCLA for adopting technology in this manner. It has undoubtedly made the lives of the liquor licence holders so much easier. Licence holders can now manage their licence online, process licence renewals online and download a Confirmation of Renewal document. The next phase of the project, launch of which is anticipated by 1 April 2023, will introduce the option to lodge licence applications online.”
He added that this is an important step in ensuring liquor traders are compliant.
“It is encouraging to note that all three business owners agreed that the more outlets are compliant, the more other forms of crime can be prevented,” Allen concluded.
