LSA - Leon Slotow Associates - Liquor Licence Specialists

14/05/2026

A huge congratulations to The Thai Table 789 on officially opening their doors in Rosebank! 🎉

Bringing the bold flavours, energy and shared-table tradition of Thailand to Johannesburg, this beautiful new space is already creating a buzz in the city’s food scene. 🇹🇭✨

We are incredibly proud to have been part of this journey and wish the team every success as they embark on this exciting new chapter.

If you’re looking for your next dining experience, this one deserves a spot on your list. 🍜🥢

https://whatsoninjoburg.com/the-thai-table-789/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRydU5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2YW04THBhbU9qajFlWnVWc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhCvgOJt0DIXhofMYsSvFG_L2G_P4H-hHTb3SFRxSWFQFaqCQGXKo3unVqA5_aem_ix5XW-dRamU48HiEQgaMsQ

📍 Oxford Parks, Rosebank

In a city increasingly drawn to destination-style dining, The Thai Table 789 arrives in Rosebank with a concept centred around atmosphere, shared dining and

12/05/2026

After the significant attention placed on the Gauteng Liquor Board this week, including the release of the Commission of Inquiry findings and ongoing public discussion around the future of liquor licensing in Gauteng, this Saturday Star article makes for important reading.

For years, compliant businesses, entrepreneurs, restaurants, and hospitality operators have experienced the impact of severe delays, administrative dysfunction, and operational instability within the system.

We remain supportive of meaningful reform, improved regulation, stronger enforcement against illegal operators, and greater accountability across the industry as a whole.

Most importantly, we hope this moment finally leads to a more efficient, transparent, and functional Gauteng Liquor Board that supports economic growth and compliant businesses throughout the province.

11/05/2026

The recent release of the Gauteng Liquor Board Commission of Inquiry report has placed much-needed attention on the serious operational failures, delays, and challenges facing the liquor licensing industry in Gauteng.

As industry stakeholders who engage with the Gauteng Liquor Board on a daily basis, we welcome the investigation and support meaningful reform that improves transparency, efficiency, accountability, and service delivery.

While we are concerned that consultants appear to be carrying much of the public blame for systemic failures that extend far beyond the private sector, we do support the recommendation for the implementation of a formal registration and regulatory process for liquor consultants.

At present, there is little oversight within the consulting space, resulting in unqualified individuals submitting poor-quality applications and, in many cases, clients ultimately suffering the consequences through delays, unnecessary costs, and failed applications. Greater regulation and professional standards within the industry can only benefit applicants and the system as a whole.

We also strongly support increased enforcement and the appointment of additional inspectors to regulate liquor trading within Gauteng — particularly where illegal operators continue to undermine compliant businesses that are attempting to follow the law.

However, regulation alone will not solve the current crisis. The reality remains that years of administrative dysfunction, severe delays, poor communication, infrastructure failures, and operational instability within the Gauteng Liquor Board have had devastating consequences for entrepreneurs, restaurants, retailers, hospitality venues, and job creation across the province.

We sincerely hope that the findings of this report represent a turning point for the Gauteng Liquor Board and that stakeholders will finally begin to see meaningful improvements in efficiency, turnaround times, communication, and overall functionality.

The liquor industry plays a significant role in Gauteng’s economy. Law-abiding businesses deserve a system that is professional, functional, fair, and capable of supporting economic growth — not preventing it.

Department of Economic Development



https://iol.co.za/business-report/economy/2026-05-10-gauteng-liquor-board-probe-exposes-regulation-by-stealth-as-mec-ramokgopa-vows-crackdown/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4Mi5_1iL98

15/04/2026

🚨 Restaurant owners – this is a MUST read

This article from SA Chef Magazine perfectly captures what so many of us are feeling right now in the industry.

👉 Read the full article here

Key takeaways that hit hard:
• Restaurants are busy… but profits are shrinking
• Customers are still dining out, but spending less per visit
• The biggest shift? Fewer drinks ordered – and that’s where margins used to live
• Rising input costs (electricity, food, staffing) are outpacing menu increases
• The industry is in a real “margin squeeze” survival phase

What stood out most is how consumer behaviour has changed:
– Fewer starters & desserts
– More sharing
– Tap water over bottled
– Early bills

It’s not that people have stopped going out… they’re just spending differently.

And that changes everything.

For anyone in hospitality, this isn’t just interesting – it’s critical insight into how we need to adapt, price, and operate going forward.
https://www.sachefmagazine.co.za/the-new-restaurant-industry-fewer-bottles-smaller-bills-bigger-risks/
💭 Would love to hear – are you seeing the same trends in your business?

If you stand at the pass on a Friday night, the dining room still looks full. However, the P&L tells a very different story. Across the restaurant industry, for independents, franchises, and national groups, the last few months have quietly become one of the most difficult trading periods we’ve se...

26/03/2026

We were so happy to assist Clay Café Illovo with obtaining their liquor licence — and what an incredible space they’ve created 👏

This team truly brings the experience to life. From the moment you arrive, you’re met with warmth, attentiveness, and those small touches that make every visit feel effortless and special.

It’s also such a fantastic venue — whether you’re looking for a fun outing with the kids, a creative break, a team-building activity, or just something a little different (and perfect for a rainy day!).

A beautiful space, an amazing team, and an experience that’s about so much more than just what you paint.

The smiles, the warm welcome, the quick check-ins, the little moments that make your visit feel easy. This is the crew behind the experience.

They are the ones helping you settle in, find your table, get comfortable, and enjoy the kind of outing that feels a little different from the usual. Whether you are here for a catch-up, a date, a family outing or a creative break, this team helps set the tone from the moment you arrive.

Clay Café Illovo is not only about what you paint. It is also about how the place makes you feel while you are here. And this crew brings that part to life every day.

Book via Dineplan on our website or pop in and come spend some time with us.
📍 Shop N102, 1st Floor, 204 Oxford Road, Illovo, Sandton.

26/03/2026

Exciting things are happening at Fourways Mall 👏

We’re thrilled to see the launch of The View — a beautiful new dining and lifestyle destination that’s set to elevate the Fourways experience in a big way.

Even more exciting for us is that we’re proudly assisting with a number of the licensing processes in this new development, and we can already see just how special this space is going to be.

From incredible restaurants to experience-driven concepts, all set against a thoughtfully designed environment — this is definitely one to watch.

We can’t wait to see it come to life!

26/03/2026

If you haven’t yet had the privilege of experiencing Kolonaki’s beautiful new space in Bryanston… it’s an absolute treat.

From vibrant flavours to warm, inviting spaces and that signature Greek hospitality, it’s a dining experience that’s both effortless and memorable.

And if you’re in the mood for a perfectly prepared steak instead, be sure to visit their sister restaurant, Blockman, right next door — you really can’t go wrong.

26/03/2026

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Heather, the heart and soul behind Grappino Bistro.

Grappino is not only a treasured favourite of our late Leon, but a place filled with warmth, generosity, and a true sense of community — all a reflection of Heather herself.

Heather was always an absolute pleasure to deal with, and her passing comes as a complete shock. It is an immense loss not only to those who knew her personally, but to the broader community and the restaurant industry as a whole.

Our thoughts are with her family, loved ones, and the entire Grappino team during this incredibly difficult time. We stand with you and send our heartfelt support as you honour a life so beautifully lived.

May her memory always be a blessing.

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Heather, the heart and soul behind Grappino Bistro.
She wasn’t just our owner; she was our inspiration, our family, and the reason this little bistro became a home for so many of you.
We ask that you hold her memory close as we gather to say our final goodbyes.
We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from this incredible community she cherished so much.
In her honour, Grappino Bistro will be closed on Tuesday, 24th March as we attend her funeral and celebrate a life so beautifully lived.

20/02/2026

Liquor Licence Renewal Calendar 2026 🛎️

Stay on top of your renewal dates across South Africa with our handy calendar — because missing deadlines can mean penalties or even licence lapsing!

⏳ Important: In the Free State, the renewal period runs from December 2025 to 28 February 2026, with no extension beyond the end of February so this is your last chance to renew on time this cycle!

Across other provinces, renewal windows vary, but planning ahead is key. Avoid late penalties and stay compliant.

✔️ Save this calendar
✔️ Mark your renewal dates
✔️ Renew early, trade legally

Need help with your renewal application? We’re here to support you every step of the way! 🍷📲

01/02/2026

📢 Important Read on Gauteng Liquor Board Challenges

This week the Democratic Alliance in Gauteng published an article highlighting ongoing operational challenges at the Gauteng Liquor Board and the impact that has on businesses and job creation:
👉 https://dagauteng.org.za/2026/01/gauteng-liquor-boards-incompetence-hits-businesses-and-risks-more-job-losses

As professionals who work with the Board regularly, we’ve seen firsthand how delays, resourcing issues and administrative changes affect applicants, renewals and compliance processes. This isn’t just a regulatory headache — it has real consequences for businesses trying to operate, grow and create employment.

Voices from across the sector and within government are calling for a comprehensive review and overhaul of the Gauteng Liquor Board to ensure improved efficiency, accountability and service delivery.

We’ll continue to monitor developments and advocate for processes that support both regulatory integrity and a thriving business environment.

Licence holders and law enforcement agencies in Gauteng are in limbo following the Gauteng Liquor Board’s (GLB) announcement that it is currently unable to issue official annual renewal certificates due to ongoing supplier challenges. If restaurants and other hospitality businesses lose money thro...