Understanding Shop Licenses vs. Shop and Establishment Act: What's the Difference for Small Business Owners?

Hi,

Is a shop license and the Shop and Establishment Act different or one and the same? My uncle runs a small mobile shop working alone, which he started a few months back. He was suggested by somebody to get the shop license. I understand he requires it to run the shop, but is it different from the Shop and Establishment Act or one and the same?

Regards, Hanish

Dear Hanish,

Yes, you are right. It's the Shop & Commercial Establishments Act of your state. Your uncle's mobile shop must be registered with the above act.

Warm regards,
Umesh Chaudhary
(welcomeumesh@yahoo.com)

Hi Umesh,

Please let me know about this as well. I am looking forward to starting a housekeeping firm in the Mumbai Area. I have done some surveys and understand that one requires PF and ESIC to be in business. Could you clarify if these are required right from the beginning? Typically, at the start, one might not have twenty people; it's only after some time that there will be 20 people under you to be registered under those acts.

The issue here is that clients may not provide work if you do not have these in place. Can you please advise me on how to handle this in a professional manner?

Regards,
Hanish Pherwani

Hello sir,

I want to start a hardware mart business. For this, I need to acquire a license for the shop. If yes, then how do I acquire it?

Dear,

You are advised to visit the office of the Shop Inspector in your area to obtain the registration number for your shop or refer to your State Shops Act for the registration procedures applicable to your unit.

Regards,

R.N. Khola

(Labour Law & Legal Consultants)
09810405361