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The form, the cost, the time it takes, who to call — and what members who have done it wish they had known. Fees are starting points; confirm with the agency before you go.

What do you want to do?

Start a business Sell food or drinks Sell on the street or in the market Farm, fish or raise animals Get a loan or grant Hire workers Hold an event or party Barber, salon or beauty Butcher or sell meat Sell to Government Taxes and compliance

Guides for Sell food or drinks, in the order most people need them. Show everything

1step

Food handler’s permit and public health inspection
Anyone preparing or serving food needs a food handler’s permit, and the premises need a public health certificate.

Westmoreland Health Department

2step

Food handler’s permits for every employee
Each person who handles food — cooks, servers, bar staff, packers — needs their own permit; the owner’s permit does not cover staff.

Westmoreland Health Department

3step

Spirit licence (selling alcohol) — bars, shops, restaurants
Selling rum, beer or any spirits by retail requires a spirit licence granted at the quarterly Spirit Licence Sessions, renewed every year.

Westmoreland Spirit Licence Authority (Resident Magistrate’s Court)

4step

Municipal trade licence and signage approval
Most retail, food and service premises in the parish need a trade licence from the Municipal Corporation, renewed annually.

Westmoreland Municipal Corporation

5step

Music licence for playing music in a business (JACAP / JAMMS)
Bars, restaurants, shops, salons and events that play recorded or live music must hold licences from the two collecting societies.

JACAP and JAMMS

Still not sure where to go? Email the Secretariat or ask at the next general meeting — no question is too small.