MUNICIPAL BUSINESS LICENSING FOR THE HAIRDRESSING, COSMETOLOGY, BEAUTY & SKINCARE INDUSTRY
- EOHCB National
- Jul 9
- 5 min read
Relevance of the Business Act 71 of 1991 in South Africa (Licensing)
What Is the Businesses Act 71 of 1991?
The Businesses Act 71 of 1991 is a South African law that regulates the licensing of certain types of businesses. Its main aim is to make sure that businesses that could affect public health, safety, or order are properly controlled and licensed by local authorities.
Current Legal Status
The Business Act 71 of 1991 remains relevant and in force in South Africa with respect to business licensing. The Act provides the legal framework for the licensing and regulation of certain types of businesses, particularly those involving the sale of food, health services, entertainment, and hawking. It empowers local authorities (municipalities) to issue business licenses and enforce compliance within their jurisdictions.
Key Points on Licensing
Licensing Requirement: Certain businesses—such as those selling perishable foods, providing health services (including gyms and spas), entertainment venues, and hawkers—are required by law to obtain a business license from the relevant local authority before commencing operations.
Local Authority Role: The Act decentralizes licensing, making municipalities the principal authorities responsible for issuing and managing business licenses within their areas.
Ongoing Enforcement: Municipalities continue to implement and enforce the Act through local by-laws and policies, and trading without a valid license can result in fines or penalties.
Recent Developments: As of June 2025, the Act is still in effect, and the Department of Small Business Development oversees its implementation. A draft National Business Licensing Policy was published in 2024 to further refine and standardize licensing processes, but the 1991 Act remains the legal basis for business licensing until any new legislation is enacted.
How Does the Act Apply to Massage or infra-red treatments, Sauna, and Bath Services?
Businesses that provide:
Turkish baths, saunas, or other health baths
Massage or infra-red treatments
must have a business license before they can legally operate. This means if you want to open or are already operating a massage parlour, sauna, or similar health-related service, you need to apply for and receive a license from your local municipality before starting your business.
Why Is a License Required?
To ensure that the business meets health, safety, and zoning requirements.
To protect the public from unsafe or unregulated services.
To allow local authorities to monitor and enforce standards.
What Happens If You Operate Without a License?
You may be fined or face imprisonment or both.
Your business could be closed until you comply with the law.
Does the Act Apply Everywhere in South Africa?
Yes, the Act applies across South Africa, but licensing is managed locally:
The Act is a national law, so its rules are valid throughout the country.
However, each municipality (local council) is responsible for issuing licenses and enforcing the Act within its area.
This means the exact process, fees, and some additional requirements may vary from one municipality to another, but the basic requirement for a license remains the same everywhere.
Step-by-Step: How to Comply
Check if your business type is covered: If you offer massages, saunas, health baths, or similar services, you are covered by the Act.
Apply for a license: Contact your local municipality or council for the application process.
Meet requirements: You may need to comply with health, safety, and zoning rules before your license is granted.
Wait for approval: Only start operating once you have received your license.
Renew and comply: Keep your license up to date and follow any conditions set by the municipality.
Table: Key Points for Massage, Sauna, and Bath Businesses
Requirement | Details |
License needed? | Yes, before starting business |
Where to apply? | Local municipality/council |
Applies to all of SA? | Yes, but managed locally |
Penalties for non-compliance | Fines, closure, or other legal action |
Other requirements | Health, safety, and zoning compliance |
In Simple Terms
If you run a business that offers massages, infra-red treatments, saunas, or health baths anywhere in South Africa, you must get a license from your local municipality. The Act is national, so the rule applies everywhere, but the details and enforcement are handled by your local council. Not following the law can lead to fines or your business being shut down.
Applying for a Business License
When applying for a business license in the context of the Business Act 71 of 1991, an owner of a business must supply the local municipality with the following documents:
Proof of payment (license + fire inspection)
ID copy of owner/directors
Company registration documents (CIPC)
Approved layout plan
Occupancy certificate
Fire clearance
Health permit
Zoning certificate
Major Municipalities in South Africa: Contact Details for Licensing Enquiries
Below is a list of key municipalities covering South Africa’s largest cities and towns, with their main contact details. These are the primary points of contact for business licensing applications and enquiries.
Metropolitan Municipalities (Major Cities)
City/Town | Municipality Name | Phone Number | Email / Web Address | Physical Address |
Johannesburg | City of Johannesburg Metropolitan | 011 407 6111 / 0860 562 874 | 158 Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein, Johannesburg | |
Pretoria | City of Tshwane Metropolitan | 012 358 9999 | Isivuno Building, cnr Lilian Ngoyi & Madiba St, Pretoria | |
Cape Town | City of Cape Town Metropolitan | 021 400 1111 / 0860 103 089 | Civic Centre, 12 Hertzog Boulevard, Cape Town | |
Durban | eThekwini Metropolitan | 031 311 1111 | City Hall, 263 Dr Pixley Ka Seme St, Durban | |
Ekurhuleni | City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan | 011 999 0780 | Cnr Roses & Cross Streets, Germiston | |
Nelson Mandela Bay | Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan | 041 506 1111 | City Hall, Vuyisile Mini Square, Govan Mbeki Ave, Port Elizabeth | |
Mangaung | Mangaung Metropolitan | 051 405 8911 | Bram Fischer Building, Nelson Mandela Drive, Bloemfontein | |
Buffalo City | Buffalo City Metropolitan | 043 705 9111 | City Hall, Oxford Street, East London |
Other Major Local Municipalities
Town/City | Municipality Name | Phone Number | Email / Web Address | Physical Address |
Stellenbosch | Stellenbosch Local | 021 808 8111 | Plein Street, Stellenbosch | |
George | George Local | 044 801 9111 | 71 York Street, George | |
Polokwane | Polokwane Local | 015 290 2000 | Civic Centre, Landros Mare St, Polokwane | |
Mbombela | Mbombela Local | 013 759 9111 | 1 Nel Street, Mbombela | |
Pietermaritzburg | Msunduzi Local | 033 392 3000 | 333 Church Street, Pietermaritzburg | |
Kimberley | Sol Plaatje Local | 053 830 6000 | Civic Centre, Bultfontein Road, Kimberley |
How to Use This Information
Call or email the relevant municipality’s main contact centre for business licensing enquiries.
Most municipalities have dedicated business licensing or trade departments; the main switchboard can direct you.
For online applications, visit the municipality’s official website and look for “Licensing,” “Permits,” or “Business” sections.
Requirements and processes may differ slightly by municipality, so always confirm with the local authority.
Additional Resources
For a full directory of all South African municipalities and their contact details, visit - https://municipalities.co.za/
Provincial and national government directories also provide up-to-date contact lists.
Note: Contact details are accurate as of July 2025. Always verify on the official municipal website or by calling the main number before submitting applications or documentation.
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