| How much does it cost for an opening Licence in Benidorm and Spain? |
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| Spain Business Guide Opening Licence Spain Business Transfer Agent Benidorm & Costa Blanca Spain FREE advice for everyone |
Opening Licence (Licencia De Apertura)
Music & Entertainment Licences
Table Terrace Licence (Annual Table Tax)
Every business activity in Benidorm and Spain must have a licence to open if it
does not it is not legal and you cannot trade. If you do you will be closed down, may
receive a heavy fine and it would be difficult to apply for the licence in future.
You must see the original licence which should be checked by your Gestoria or
lawyer to ensure it is authentic or there must be an application for a licence being
processed. This must be checked by your lawyer who will ask for documented
proof that the licence has been applied and paid for and where in the process it
currently is. This will also tell you how likely it is to be granted and why it may be
taking so long.
The licence will tell you the times you may open and how many people you are
permitted to have on the premises. Late licences after 2am will cost more and may
have other requirements such as the need for double doors and sound limiters
which can be expensive, so do budget for this in your opening expenditure.
The current licence holder will be required to hand over the current licence so
that you can make the necessary name change. It is vital that you are given the
original licence. Be aware that a licence is not usually in the landlords name and
that if you buy direct form a landlord you must get the original licence from whoever
has their name on the licence. If you do not you may have to apply for a new
application for a licence which may mean that you have to make changes to the
premises such as adding disabled toilets, new wiring, and any other new
legislation which may be in force.
You may need a certificate form an architect to confirm that the premises have
not been altered since the issue of the current licence before a name change is
processed. EU Regulations are being enforced in Spain these days so be prepared
this.
You will also require other licences in Benidorm such as a music or
entertainment licence. Do remember that entertainment licences will not usually be
granted in residential zones and certain tourist zones unless proper sound proofing
is in place. In some areas of Benidorm the authorities will not grant a licence for live
music or entertainment of any kind so never presume that applying for one will be
granted. Seek professional help.
How much does an opening Licence Cost? (Licencia De Apertura)
The cost of a Licence depends on the type of business and if it is a new Licence or
simply a change of name to the new owner. To change the actual name of the
business will usually cost more. This is a one of fee and remains in place as long
as the business is operating. Other Licences require an annual fee.
As a rough guide for the cost of a Licence in Spain.
A name change to the new owner of a bar expect to pay Approx 1,200€ to 1,800€
A brand new Licence application is from 1,500€ To 5,000€ depending on the
business. For example a Bar with a late Licence will cost more than a bar with a
2am Licence. A small gift shop will cost much less than a bar or restaurant. A
Licence for a sex shop will have you running to the hills!
Many Town Halls require a table Tax and Licence on terraces too. These can be
from 50€ per year to 300€ per year per table. Some do not charge anything. Of
course if the terrace is on your land there is no charge (usually)
The costs for a Licence also depends on which area you are setting up in. Each
local Town Hall has it's own rules and different costs. These vary greatly from each
town, location of the business and if a rural or town or city location.
We recommend that you put aside a minimum of 3,500€ to cover the cost which
will include any legal fees charged for the application and possibly an architect fee
for a plan of the layout which may be required also. This amount will also usually
cover you for all the necessary inspection books you will require as part of the
Licence such as an official complaints book, a book for visits from social security, a
first aid book etc.... Yes Spain loves paperwork. Final costs may be less or more
so do your homework to get an accurate figure for you particular Licensing
requirement.
You may also require a music Licence for live music (if allowed) which again vary
greatly with each town hall. Very few small bars have such a Licence as the cost
can be high and most such bars will not get permission for such events.
Whilst not strictly a Licence you will also be required to obtain a food handlers
certificate in any business which requires this. Allow approx 100€ per member of
staff for this training and simple test to get the certificate.
You will also require a Pest Control certificate which costs approx 200€ for a
small bar to be sprayed annually. You will not need this if a current one is already in
place but will need to renew this once it expires.
It is also now a Licence requirement in most towns for bars to display a sign
stating the number of people permitted in the premises at the point of entry. Also an
age sign if you are not allowed to enter under the age of 18.
Bars who permit smoking must also display a sign stating that smoking is
allowed. This will also immediately make your premises only for those over 18
years of age. NOTE Bars under 100m2 may permit smoking those over 100m2
must either be non-smoking or provide a separate room for smokers.
Next page - Debts on a business in Spain - Who is Liable?
Music & Entertainment Licences
Table Terrace Licence (Annual Table Tax)
Every business activity in Benidorm and Spain must have a licence to open if it
does not it is not legal and you cannot trade. If you do you will be closed down, may
receive a heavy fine and it would be difficult to apply for the licence in future.
You must see the original licence which should be checked by your Gestoria or
lawyer to ensure it is authentic or there must be an application for a licence being
processed. This must be checked by your lawyer who will ask for documented
proof that the licence has been applied and paid for and where in the process it
currently is. This will also tell you how likely it is to be granted and why it may be
taking so long.
The licence will tell you the times you may open and how many people you are
permitted to have on the premises. Late licences after 2am will cost more and may
have other requirements such as the need for double doors and sound limiters
which can be expensive, so do budget for this in your opening expenditure.
The current licence holder will be required to hand over the current licence so
that you can make the necessary name change. It is vital that you are given the
original licence. Be aware that a licence is not usually in the landlords name and
that if you buy direct form a landlord you must get the original licence from whoever
has their name on the licence. If you do not you may have to apply for a new
application for a licence which may mean that you have to make changes to the
premises such as adding disabled toilets, new wiring, and any other new
legislation which may be in force.
You may need a certificate form an architect to confirm that the premises have
not been altered since the issue of the current licence before a name change is
processed. EU Regulations are being enforced in Spain these days so be prepared
this.
You will also require other licences in Benidorm such as a music or
entertainment licence. Do remember that entertainment licences will not usually be
granted in residential zones and certain tourist zones unless proper sound proofing
is in place. In some areas of Benidorm the authorities will not grant a licence for live
music or entertainment of any kind so never presume that applying for one will be
granted. Seek professional help.
How much does an opening Licence Cost? (Licencia De Apertura)
The cost of a Licence depends on the type of business and if it is a new Licence or
simply a change of name to the new owner. To change the actual name of the
business will usually cost more. This is a one of fee and remains in place as long
as the business is operating. Other Licences require an annual fee.
As a rough guide for the cost of a Licence in Spain.
A name change to the new owner of a bar expect to pay Approx 1,200€ to 1,800€
A brand new Licence application is from 1,500€ To 5,000€ depending on the
business. For example a Bar with a late Licence will cost more than a bar with a
2am Licence. A small gift shop will cost much less than a bar or restaurant. A
Licence for a sex shop will have you running to the hills!
Many Town Halls require a table Tax and Licence on terraces too. These can be
from 50€ per year to 300€ per year per table. Some do not charge anything. Of
course if the terrace is on your land there is no charge (usually)
The costs for a Licence also depends on which area you are setting up in. Each
local Town Hall has it's own rules and different costs. These vary greatly from each
town, location of the business and if a rural or town or city location.
We recommend that you put aside a minimum of 3,500€ to cover the cost which
will include any legal fees charged for the application and possibly an architect fee
for a plan of the layout which may be required also. This amount will also usually
cover you for all the necessary inspection books you will require as part of the
Licence such as an official complaints book, a book for visits from social security, a
first aid book etc.... Yes Spain loves paperwork. Final costs may be less or more
so do your homework to get an accurate figure for you particular Licensing
requirement.
You may also require a music Licence for live music (if allowed) which again vary
greatly with each town hall. Very few small bars have such a Licence as the cost
can be high and most such bars will not get permission for such events.
Whilst not strictly a Licence you will also be required to obtain a food handlers
certificate in any business which requires this. Allow approx 100€ per member of
staff for this training and simple test to get the certificate.
You will also require a Pest Control certificate which costs approx 200€ for a
small bar to be sprayed annually. You will not need this if a current one is already in
place but will need to renew this once it expires.
It is also now a Licence requirement in most towns for bars to display a sign
stating the number of people permitted in the premises at the point of entry. Also an
age sign if you are not allowed to enter under the age of 18.
Bars who permit smoking must also display a sign stating that smoking is
allowed. This will also immediately make your premises only for those over 18
years of age. NOTE Bars under 100m2 may permit smoking those over 100m2
must either be non-smoking or provide a separate room for smokers.
Next page - Debts on a business in Spain - Who is Liable?
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| After reading this page and before moving onto the next one, you may like to read this article Bars Trading With NO Licence |