Registering a shop in Goa can be done through the online portal on the internet, while there is a provision for it to be handled offline. The process needs a couple of documents at their end but is quite simple to work with.
People who are planning on owning shops have to mandatorily register under the Shops and Establishments Act. This law applies to a vast range of businesses and other entities. Other than the process being mandatory, the additional purposes of getting an establishment registered are the benefits that come with it, the regular inspections, and for the sake of the employees.
Establishments include shops, commercial establishments, residential hotels, restaurants, theatres, or places of public amusement. These can additionally include places and locations that the Government could mark as establishments through a notification in the Official Gazette.
Shops are a place where goods are sold, either by retail or wholesale. They could also be a location where services can be provided to their customers. The various premises that could be considered shops are store-rooms, godowns, warehouses or workplaces. These might be on the same grounds or in connection with such trade or business.
There is a specific application to be filled out and sent to the inspector. The best part is that it can be submitted anytime post starting the business but within thirty days. There are a couple of documents to be submitted with the application, to verify the information mentioned. Additionally, there is a fee that has to be paid and the payment receipt, submitted along with the documents.
Some of the details to be provided are:
* Name of the person filling out the form
* Name of the owner of the establishment
* Name of the establishment
* Postal address of the establishment
After verifying all the information and supporting documents, an inspector will be sent to the premises to inspect them, making sure they match all the specifications. Furthermore, the licence is valid for five years and has to be renewed then. Additionally, the certificate must be up on display at the establishment.
Other than creating the rules to assist the people who are planning on starting establishments, the Shops licence was also started to protect employees who are working jobs, making sure they do not get exploited by their bosses. There are rules about the number of hours they should be spending in an office, the overtime charges if they spend additional time, the leave policies, along with public holidays and so on.
It applies nationwide to shops, commercial establishments, hotels, restaurants, eating houses, theatres and other places of public amusement or entertainments.