Members of the public interested in registering as macro manufacturers or distributors of liquor are warned of a licensing scam that is currently operational largely in the Tshwane area. The warning was issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) on Wednesday.
According to the dti, the modus operandi used by consultants who issue fraudulent certificates/licenses deceive prospective applicants after they had paid exorbitant registration fees into believing that they will receive registration certificates within two days or a week. The consultants would however provide the prospective registrant with a fraudulent registration certificate.
Prospective registrants are informed that there are standard and regulated fees for applications and that the minimum waiting period to receive a registration is 120 working days. Legitimate registration certificates issued by the dti’s National Liquor Authority (NLA) have security features and are easily identifiable. If a registrant has used the services of a consultant, the registrant is expected to be in possession of the original copy of the registration certificate.
Registration forms and a fee structure is available on the dti website. Prospective registrants are also urged to make use of the dti Call Centre 0861 843 384 for guidance with regards to application procedures and fees.
Members of the public are warned that trading without a valid registration certificate is a criminal offence. Traders who are in doubt of the validity of their registration certificates are urged to contact the NLA on (012) 394 1654.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe (Departmental Spokesperson)
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
