KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna Municipality facilitated a meeting with spaza and house shop owners and various community stakeholders on 29 March. 

"Several concerns regarding non-compliance with regulations were raised," said member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for community services, Waleed Grootboom.

"Our environmental health planning department, solid waste section and town planning department explained their function regarding these types of shops, as well as their requirements from shop owners.

"The Garden Route District municipal health section explained the legislative requirements any shop owner or premises that sell food must adhere to, including the correct labelling of foodstuff, management and discarding of expired food products, and the certification such businesses must obtain."

The Business Act no 71 of 1991 states that a valid business licence is required to sell perishables, or supply meals, takeaways or other foodstuff for human consumption.

Business owners are also required to submit waste removal plans to ensure that waste storage and disposal do not become nuisances or health hazards.

"A letter explaining the business licence application procedure and waste management procedures has since been issued to the shop owners," Grootboom said. 

"We are building a relationship with these businesses to ensure that they comply with the necessary regulations, enabling them to continue bringing value to their communities. We strongly encourage shop owners to legalise their businesses and will be conducting spot visits to ensure continued compliance."

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