Licensing / Registration

Overview

Some business activities cannot be commenced until the trader and/or his premises have been audited to ensure they meet certain basic criteria. Without such restrictions business could be conducted without the knowledge of the Office which could be to the detriment of the consumer.

To ensure this does not happen, businesses may have to apply for licences or registrations. Application forms and inspections of premises help to ensure that only fit and proper persons conduct certain business activities and that their premises are appropriate and meet the relevant safety standards. In some cases the Office may attach further conditions to the licence or registration which may restrict the activity to certain times or places or require that annual returns are provided.

The application form and advice notes relating to those activities which require licences or registration can be found by clicking on the relevant button on the left of this page. The Office has introduced a training package for retailers/licensees to support them in training staff in responding to requests for age-restricted goods from young people. More information on the package can be found at http://www.gov.im/oft/TradingStandards/ageRestrict/trainingpackage.xml.

Please note the sale of petrol, fireworks and the sale or hire of videos are subject to age restrictions.

For more information on the safe storage of petrol and fireworks, please see our safety pages.