In our YouTube video ‘Required Approvals’ we discuss key needs for a new bar or restaurant.
We want to share what that means and what you will need with regards to ‘Required Approvals’ for your new bar or restaurant in a blog, so you have supporting documentation for your own research.
When fitting out a bar or restaurant you’ll need to obtain various approvals for the works.
Your project manager or designer might help you with these. Any physical changes to the exterior of the building require planning approval through the local planning authority. This process can take between eight to twelve weeks on average to receive.
Planning is potentially also required for a change of use, although planning laws have been simplified recently in the UK with a broader use class. Please check with your specialist or solicitor.
You should consider advertising consent which relates primarily to the signage for your bar or restaurant. This will need permission similar to your general planning approval. A pavement license might be required if you’re looking for outdoor tables and chairs. This is usually renewed on an annual basis and will be with your local council. Check with them for their local requirements.
Finally, building regulations.
These are statutory instruments or regulations and they seek to ensure that your building is actually built to proper relevant regulations and requirements.
This can be done with the local council although we often utilise the services of an approved inspector who can work nationally.
Another point of note that you should make when you’re actually opening up your bar or restaurant is to consider possibly what impact the deeds of your property might have.
Even if you own a freehold there can be some restrictive covenants when you’re taking a lease or rent, you’ll need the landlord’s approval, check and confirm sign-off with your landlord and check what they require from you for that process.
Once you complete your fit-out you’ll need to obtain other permits and approvals.
Some of these might include a food hygiene certificate which is a legal requirement for any restaurants with EHO visits.
Restaurant insurance, public liability insurance, and food premises approval which is done by the local council inspection and approval.
Licensing for alcohol and finally pest control. This is legislative and is monitored through the EHO.
I hope this article and accompanying YouTube video (Add Link Here) has been helpful to you.
If you’d like to talk with us some more, please reach out via email to Julian.
We would love to help you further.
