Which regulations might affect me and my new business?
This depends on what your particular business idea is but it is important to consider the very general areas of business covered by regulations:
- Tax, National Insurance, VAT
- Business structure - what company law applies to your business
- Premises - what regulations apply to your premises
- Employment - what laws you must comply with
- Health and safety
- Protecting your ideas
- Licences
It is important to talk to people who will give you sound professional advice, a solicitor or business adviser will be able to give support and guidance through the regulations that are relevant to your business.
Do I need a licence to run my business?
This depends on what kind of business you want to run. No licence is required for shops with some exceptions which are listed below. If you intend to operate a business of any of the following kinds you will require a licence from your local council.
Businesses Requiring Licences (alphabetical)
- Amusements with prize permits
- Bingo halls
- Butchers - must register with Environmental Health
- Cafe - must register with Environmental Health
- Catering - all food businesses are required to be registered with Environmental Health
- Cinema
- Child minding / children's nursery - registration required with Social Services
- Door supervisors
- Food manufacture and preparation - must be registered with Environmental Health including catering from home
- Food shops - must register with Environmental Health
- Game dealers
- Hackney carriages
- Hairdressers - licence not required in Southampton but some local councils do
- House to house collection
- Lotteries
- Mobile food vans - most require a licence or registration with Environmental Health and a street traders licence
- Night clubs
- Nursing homes - registration required with Social Services
- Pet shops / animal boarders and dog breeders - licence required from Environmental Health
- Petroleum spirits for retail sale - contact Environmental Health
- Private hire and drivers
- Restaurants - must register with Environmental Health
- Sex shops
- Street collections
- Street traders
- Tattooing, acupuncture, electrolysis and ear piercing - licence required from Environmental Health
- Taxis
- Theatre
You will also need a licence from your local Magistrates Court for the following types of business:
- Betting shops and other gaming establishments
- Clubs
- Night clubs
- Hotels
- Public houses
- Restaurants
- Sale of alcohol in shops
There are other types of business activities that will require a licence such as recruitment agencies and credit companies so always check with your local Enterprise Agency or Business Link to find out exactly what is required.
Where can I get a licence from?
If your business is to be located in Southampton you will need to apply for your licence from Southampton City Council. Licensing details as follows:
- amusement with prizes permits - tel: 023 8083 3245 / fax: 023 8083 4061
- busking - tel: 023 8083 2453 / fax: 023 8023 3359
- door supervisors - tel: 023 8083 3245 / fax: 023 8023 3359
- hackney carriage - tel: 023 8083 2792 / fax: 023 8083 4061
- petroleum storage - tel: 023 8083 3580 / fax: 023 8083 3075
- private hire and drivers - tel: 023 8083 2792 / fax: 023 8083 4061
- tattoo and piercing - tel: 023 8083 2323 / fax: 023 8083 3075
All the licensing services listed below can be contacted on these numbers - tel: 023 8083 3245 / fax: 023 8083 4061
- game dealers
- house to house collection
- late night refreshment
- lottery registration
- public music and dancing
- sex shops and cinema
- street collection permits
- street trading licence - city centre only
- theatres and cinemas
For all food related business enquiries contact Environmental Health tel: 023 8083 2519.
For pollution and safety enquiries contact Environmental Health tel: 023 8083 2323.
For businesses in the caring profession contact Social Services tel: 0800 169 8833.
Licences for the following can be obtained from your local Magistrates Court tel: 023 8038 4240:
- Betting shops and other gaming establishments
- Clubs
- Night clubs
- Hotels
- Public houses
- Restaurants
- Sale of alcohol in shops