Shop and Establishment License

Are you planning to open a shop or establishment in India? Before you start operating, you need to obtain a Shop and Establishment License. This license is a legal requirement that allows businesses to operate in a particular location. It also ensures that employees’ rights are protected, and the business complies with government regulations. In this blog post, we will provide you with all the necessary information about the Shop and Establishment License in India, including its benefits, the registration process, and the required documents. Read on to learn more about this essential license for your business.

I. Introduction

A. Definition of Shop and Establishment Act License Registration

The Shop and Establishment Act License Registration is a law in India that governs the registration of shops and commercial establishments. It sets out responsibilities for the owners and licensees and outlines the local authorities’ authority to undertake inspections. To open a shop or establishment in India, one must comply with the Shop and Establishment Act’s requirements. The act establishes certain requirements that must be met before opening a business, such as having a valid license, registration certificate, and business permit. Failure to comply with any of the requirements may result in fines for the business owner. The registration process is fairly straightforward, and businesses must complete an application form and submit it to the relevant government agency. The penalty for noncompliance with the S & E Act includes fines and imprisonment for up to 1 year. Registering under the act serves as proof of incorporation and is useful for obtaining other business licenses and registrations, creating a current bank account, or obtaining a loan.

II. Shop and Establishment Registration Process

A. Required documents

To obtain a Shop and Establishment License in India, you must apply within 30 days of starting your business. The application must be made to the Chief Inspector in your respective state, and should contain information on the name and address of the employer, establishment category, number of employees, and other details as required. Along with the application, you must provide a front view photograph of your establishment with a visible board displaying the name of your business in the local language, consent or Board resolution from partners with their address and ID proof, and proof of address of the company/partnership/LLP (lease deed/utility bills, etc.). A statutory fee is also required to be paid along with these documents, and the amount varies from state to state. The documents submitted with the application must be verified by the Chief Inspector, and a registration certificate will be issued to the owner upon approval. The Shop and Establishment License must be displayed at all times and renewed after the expiration without any carelessness.

B. Guideline to fill the form

To a Shop and Establishment Registration Certificate, you need to fill in the application form. Here are the guidelines to fill the form easily and accurately:

1. Applicant Details: Fill in your name, address, phone number, email ID, and other relevant information.

2. Establishment Details: Enter the name, address, type of establishment (shop or commercial establishment), and other required details.

3. Nature of Business: Mention the kind of business you are running, its products/services, and other details if required.

4. Employee Details: Provide the number of employees, their category, and wages or salary details.

5. Premises Details: Fill in the address and other relevant information about the premises where the business is being carried out.

6. Supporting Documents: Upload the required documents, such as address proof, constitutional documents, NOC from the landlord (if rented), and any additional business licenses.

7. Pay the Prescribed Fees: The fees for obtaining the certificate vary from state to state. Check the fees and make the payment online or offline.

After submitting the application form along with the required documents and fees, the concerned Inspector will review and scrutinize the details provided. Once satisfied, he or she will issue the Shop and Establishment Registration Certificate within a few working days. It is mandatory to renew the certificate before the expiry date.

C. Turnaround time

Once you have submitted the necessary documents and fees for obtaining the Shop and Establishment Registration Certificate, the turnaround time for receiving the certificate varies from state to state. The processing time can be as short as a few hours or as long as a couple weeks, depending on the state in which the business is located. It is advisable to check the respective state’s labor department website for specific information on the turnaround time. It is important to note that the certificate is a basic registration license for the business and serves as proof of incorporation of the commercial establishment or shop. It is also required for obtaining other business licenses and registrations, such as opening a current bank account for the business. Therefore, it is essential to get the Shop and Establishment Registration Certificate as early as possible to avoid any delays in the business operations.

D. Access to invoicing & accounting tool

Access to invoicing and accounting tools is essential for any business owner in India. With the introduction of electronic invoices, it has become even more important to have a reliable tool to manage invoices and track expenses. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance is a great option for generating secure and legally acceptable electronic invoices. It also allows for easy integration with the Invoice Registration Portal and Goods and Services Tax Service Providers for companies that do not meet the annual turnover threshold.

FreshBooks is another invoicing and accounting tool that is perfect for small businesses. It offers professional and customizable invoice templates, and an easy-to-use interface that makes tracking expenses and generating reports a breeze. Additionally, its online payment options and time tracking features make it easy to get paid and accurately bill for your time. FreshBooks also integrates with various other business tools and offers an API for businesses looking to build their own integration.

Investing in an invoicing and accounting tool can save business owners time and ensure accuracy when managing finances. With easy access to these tools, businesses in India can stay on top of their invoices and expenses while also complying with legal regulations.

III. Shop and Establishment Act

A. Definition of a shop and commercial establishment

A shop is defined under the Shop and Establishment Act as any premise where goods are sold, either by retail or wholesale, or where services are rendered to customers. It includes offices, godowns, storerooms and warehouses used in connection with trade or business. Commercial establishments, on the other hand, are defined as commercial, banking, trading or insurance establishments or administrative services in which persons are employed for office work. This includes hotels, boarding or eating houses, restaurants, cafes, theatres, or any other public entertainment or amusement places. However, factories and industries are not covered by the Act and are regulated by the Factories Act of 1948 and Industries (Development and Regulation) Act of 1951. In order to operate a shop or commercial establishment, every business owner in India is required to register under the Shop and Establishment Act of their respective state. This registration serves as a basic license and must be presented when applying for other licenses, such as a business current account.

B. Regulation of shop act

The Shop and Establishment Act plays a crucial role in regulating the working conditions of commercial establishments and shops. It strives to ensure that employees are treated fairly and that their rights are protected while they work. Under this Act, certain practices like payment of wages, working hours, and holidays are regulated. Nevertheless, the regulations may vary slightly from state to state. The Act defines a commercial establishment as any establishment where persons are employed for the purpose of performing clerical work or where trade, business, banking, or insurance is carried out. The Act does not cover factories, which are governed by a separate law. The regulation of the Act includes aspects like work hours, annual leave, weekly holidays, and compensation. Moreover, the Act prohibits employing women and young people for night shifts, and it imposes monetary, operational and imprisonment-based penalties for non-compliance. Therefore, it is necessary for all shops and establishments to obtain a Shop and Establishment Act Registration Certificate, which proves that they have registered under this Act.

C. Exception of factories and industries

While the Shop and Establishment Act covers most businesses, it makes certain exceptions for factories and industries. The Factories Act, 1948 is a separate legislation that outlines the laws concerning the safety, health, and welfare of workers employed in factories. It applies to premises where more than ten people are employed with the aid of power or twenty or more people are employed without the aid of power. The Act defines factories as locations where manufacturing processes are carried out. This means that premises that are involved in manufacturing processes cannot be classified as shops or commercial establishments and must abide by the regulations outlined in the Factories Act. Additionally, industries involved in hazardous work or industrial activities, such as mining or electricity generation, are covered by separate laws and regulations. Therefore, such industries are exempted from the provisions of the Shop and Establishment Act.

VI. Regulations Under The Shop Registration Act

A. Work hours

The Shops and Establishments Act serves as a regulatory framework for the working hours and conditions of employees in shops and commercial establishments. As per the Act, the work hours for adults cannot exceed 9 hours a day and 48 hours a week, while for children and young people, the maximum limit is 4.5 hours a day and 27 hours a week. The Act also mandates one day off per week and annual leaves ranging from 15 to 21 days, based on the number of years of service. Women and young people are restricted from working night shifts, and in case of overtime work, they must be compensated adequately.

Adherence to these guidelines ensures better work-life balance and reduces the chances of employee burnout, enhancing productivity and profitability. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that these rules are followed without exception. Violating these regulations can result in monetary penalties, suspension or cancellation of the license, and even imprisonment. Therefore, it is crucial for businesses to comply with the Shops and Establishments Act to avoid such consequences and maintain a healthy work environment.

B. Annual leave

Annual leave is an important aspect of the Shop and Establishment Act. As per the Act, an employee is entitled to 1 day of earned leave for every 20 days of employment in a year. This gap reduces to 15 days for young employees. If an employee is discharged or dismissed from their job or resigns during the year, they are entitled to wages in lieu of their unavailed leaves. Furthermore, any unavailed leaves in a year get added to the following year’s leaves, provided the total number of leaves being carried forward does not exceed 30 (40 in the case of young employees). Employees are also entitled to mandatory 7-day sick leave and 7 days of casual leave per year. The wages for all leave days must be paid within a fixed period not exceeding one month. It is important to note that failure to pay wages on time can result in a penalty compensation of up to eight times the amount of wages withheld. The Shop and Establishment Act ensures that employees receive fair and reasonable treatment in terms of leave entitlements.

C. Weekly holidays

As per the Shop and Establishment Act, employees are entitled to a weekly holiday. This is a day off that should be at least 24 hours long and it must be given every seven days. The day off can be any day of the week, but it should remain consistent.

It’s important for employers to note that no employee can be required to work on their weekly holiday, unless they have agreed to do so in writing. In cases where an employee works on their weekly holiday, they are entitled to receive double their usual wages for that day. Employers must be careful to ensure that employees receive their weekly holiday, as failure to do so can result in penalties.

It’s worth noting that public holidays cannot be considered a replacement for weekly holidays. Even if an employee is given a day off on a public holiday, they should still receive their weekly holiday as well. This means that employees are entitled to at least one day off per week, in addition to public holidays that they may be entitled to.

D. Prohibition on working night shifts by women and young people

Working during night shifts can put employees’ safety and health at risk. This is the reason why the Indian government has put restrictions on working hours during the night shift. These restrictions also apply to women and young people. According to the Factories Act 1948, women employees are not allowed to work in a factory except between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. However, the State Governments may vary the limits by notification, but women employees should not be allowed to work between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Furthermore, some laws aim to safeguard the interest of workers, including the prohibition of night work. This provision aims to provide a safe and healthy working environment for female employees. The Andhra Pradesh High Court previously held that the restriction of prohibiting women from working at night was unconstitutional and violative of the Constitution. However, the State Government has issued a notification enabling women employees in factories to work during night hours subject to certain conditions. These changes aim to promote women’s rights and economic opportunities.

VII. Penalties For Not Acquiring Shop Act License

A. Monetary penalties

Employers who violate the Shop and Establishment Act in India may face monetary penalties. The amount of the penalty may vary depending on the state and the severity of the offense. For instance, businesses that fail to register their establishments within the prescribed time limit may be liable to pay a fine of one hundred to a thousand rupees. Failure to maintain certain registers such as attendance, wage, and leave registers can also lead to a penalty of one hundred to a thousand rupees. Non-compliance with working hour regulations and leave policies may result in fines that also vary by state. Additionally, employers who fail to pay their employees within the prescribed time limit may face a penalty. The most severe consequence of non-compliance is the cancellation of the establishment’s registration, which can lead to the closure of the business. Therefore, it is essential to ensure compliance with the regulations prescribed under the Shop and Establishment Act to avoid penalties and ensure the welfare of employees.

B. Operational penalties

Apart from monetary penalties, non-compliance with the Shop and Establishment Act can also lead to operational penalties. These penalties are in the form of restrictions or prohibitions placed on the business. Here are some examples of operational penalties:

– Suspension of license: If a business is found to be in violation of the act, the licensing authority may suspend the establishment’s license. This means that the business cannot operate until the violation is rectified.
– Seizure of records: In case of non-maintenance of required registers, the licensing authority may seize the establishment’s records. This will prevent the business from carrying out any operations until the records are produced.
– Blacklisting: In extreme cases of non-compliance, the establishment may be blacklisted. This means that the business will not be able to obtain any licenses or approvals to operate in any state in India.

It is important for businesses to comply with the regulations prescribed under the act to avoid any operational penalties. Non-compliance can not only lead to financial penalties but can also disrupt the business operations.

C. Imprisonment-based penalties

Employers who fail to comply with the Shop and Establishment Act regulations may face several penalties, including imprisonment. The severity of the penalty may depend on the nature of the offense, but in extreme cases, imprisonment-based penalties can be imposed. It is important for employers to understand the obligations laid out in the act and ensure compliance to avoid penalties and ensure the welfare of their employees. The imprisonment-based penalties can result in the cancellation of the establishment’s registration, which can lead to the closure of the business. Therefore, it is crucial for employers to prioritize compliance with the act to avoid being charged with such severe consequences. In addition to imprisonment-based penalties, non-compliance can result in fines, cancellation of registration, and operational penalties. Thus, it is essential for employers to obtain the necessary licenses and permits and adhere to the regulations prescribed under the act to avoid penalties and ensure the welfare of their employees.

VIII. Documentation required for Shop and Establishment License in India

The documentation required for a Shop and Establishment License in India varies from state to state. However, the basic documents required are:

1. Identity proof of the proprietor or the owner of the shop or establishment.
2. Address proof of the shop or establishment.
3. A registration certificate or partnership deed (in case of collaboration).
4. Proof of ownership or tenancy of the property.
5. PAN card of the proprietor or owner.

Additionally, some states may require additional documents such as the GST registration certificate, NOC from the fire department, etc. It is advisable to check with the local authorities to obtain a comprehensive list of documents for the specific state.

IX. Process of getting a Shop and Establishment License in India

The process and procedures for obtaining a Shop and Establishment License in India vary from state to state. However, the common steps involved in the process are:

1. Application: The first step is to file an application for the Shop and Establishment License. The application form can be obtained from the local municipal corporation or the state Department of Labor.

2. Documentation: The required documents need to be submitted along with the application form.

3. Inspection: Once the application is received, the local authorities will conduct an inspection of the premises to ensure that the necessary standards are met and fire safety norms are implemented.

4. Payment: The next step is to pay the applicable fees for obtaining the license. The fee varies depending on the state and the type of shop or establishment.

5. Issuance: After all the steps are completed, the Shop and Establishment License will be issued.

X. Advantages of Shop and Establishment License in India

The Shop and Establishment License in India provides several advantages to both the shop owners and the employees working in the shop or establishment. The benefits of the license are:

1. Legal Compliance: The Shop and Establishment License ensures that the shop or establishment is legally compliant with the rules and regulations set by the local authorities.

2. Employee protection: The license guarantees the basic rights and protections to the employees, such as a fixed working hour, overtime payment, and protection against discrimination.

3. Business expansion: The license makes it easier to expand the business, open new outlets and obtain loans from financial institutions.

4. Customer trust: The license enhances customer trust by providing assurance that the shop or establishment is legally compliant and follows necessary safety measures.

XI. Disadvantages of Shop and Establishment License in India

There are some drawbacks to the Shop and Establishment License in India, such as:

1. Process Complexity: The process of obtaining the license can be lengthy and intricate, requiring several documents and inspections.

2. Costly: The fees associated with obtaining the license can be significant depending on the state and type of business.

3. Time Restriction: The license mandates a fixed working hour that may reduce flexibility for businesses that need to operate beyond the permitted hours, such as restaurants or supermarkets.

4. Increased Control: The license may lead to increased scrutiny and control by the local authorities, reducing the autonomy of the shop or establishment owners.

Shop and Establishment License is a mandatory requirement for running businesses in India. It is governed under the Shops and Establishments Act, legislated by the state governments. Here are some frequently asked questions about Shop and Establishment License in India: