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- No I do not support the Bill 9,112
- Yes I do 97
- Not fully 192
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The Department of Small Business Development published the Business Licensing Bill 2025, and asked the public to comment.
The Bill aims to introduce a national registry of every business operating in the country.
The Department of Trade and Industry said the Bill is intended to modernise outdated legislation and create a uniform system where all businesses register with and obtain licences from their local municipalities, replacing the current Business Act of 1991.
The Department will consider all comments before finalising the Bill.
Have your say – shape the Bill. [CLOSED – report available]
Summary
The Bill is a draft law stemming from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It aims to achieve a registry of all businesses operating within the country in both the formal and informal sectors. This will be accomplished by the businesses having to register with, and obtain a licence from, their local municipality. This Bill replaces the Business Act of 1991 which required businesses that served food, operated health facilities such as massage parlours, or entertainment venues, to be licensed with local authorities.
Within the planned legislation:
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- the new business licences will be valid for five years before having to be renewed via what is said to be “a simple process”;
- it confers on a number of institutions the authority to examine businesses and their licences;
- inspectors will be able to fine a business or confiscate goods if the operators are found to contravene the Bill or other laws such as selling pirated goods.
- licensing authorities have to issue business licences within 30 days of the application;
- authorities could extend this period by 14 days under certain circumstances.
- an operator must produce its licence on demand to an inspector or face a fine.
The Bill intends to provide an uncomplicated, facilitative framework for the licensing application procedures by providing set norms and standards. Another endeavour is to promote competent governance and support.