Over the past year, the Overstrand Municipality has streamlined its business licence application process making it easier for businesses to apply online.
Applicants can submit applications electronically, upload supporting documents, track progress and receive feedback through a single digital platform. The online system simplifies the application process, reduces paperwork and improves communication between applicants and the Municipality.
TYPES OF BUSINESS LICENCE APPLICATIONS
Formal business licence
In terms of the Businesses Act, 1991 (Act 71 of 1991), a business licence is required for:
- Food businesses that prepare, sell or supply food and beverages for human consumption.
- Health and entertainment businesses, including massage, nail and hair salons, saunas, gaming venues, billiard halls, nightclubs, cinemas, theatres and certain adult entertainment premises.
Depending on the type of business, you may need to comply with the following requirements:
- Zoning
- Building
- Health
- Safety (particularly fire)
- Police clearance
Informal traders and hawkers
If you:
- Trade from a cart, stall or vehicle, etc.
- Operate from a public place or designated informal trading area.
- Move between different selling locations.
Locations from where such trade may take place are subject to the provisions of the By-law Relating to Streets, Public Places and the Prevention of Public Nuisances of the Overstrand Municipality. Food traders must also obtain a certificate of acceptability (COA) from the Overberg District Municipality.
Spaza shops
Spaza shops may be subject to additional zoning and land use requirements. Applicants are advised to contact the Town Planning Department before commencing operations.
BEFORE YOU APPLY FOR A FORMAL BUSINESS LICENCE:
The first step is to create a user account and partner account. These accounts serve as your profile on the system and can be used for future submissions and municipal applications processed through the portal.
A series of five short step-by-step video guides is available on the Municipal website to assist applicants with:
- Creating a user and partner account
- Starting a business licence application
- Completing the application form
- Uploading supporting documents
- Uploading proof of payment and submitting the application
Visit https://www.overstrand.gov.za/business-licence/
to access the Collaborator Portal.