Billiard Saloon Licence

Billiard Saloon Licence | Bestar

Singapore Billiard Saloon Licence

Opening a billiard saloon in Singapore requires navigating specific licensing regulations. Here's a summary of key requirements, followed by a more detailed explanation:

Key Licensing and Regulatory Aspects:

• Public Entertainment Licence (PEL):

To operate a billiard saloon in Singapore, you must obtain a Public Entertainment Licence (PEL) from the Singapore Police Force (SPF). This is the primary license required for providing public entertainment, and billiard saloons specifically fall under the category needing an establishment PEL. These licences are typically issued for one year. The Public Entertainments Act (PEA) governs the issuance and regulations of these licences. The specific type of establishment PEL required is influenced by factors such as the proposed operating hours and the nature of the entertainment offered. While establishment licences are standard for billiard saloons, ad-hoc PELs are also available for shorter durations, though generally not applicable to this type of business.

• Key Considerations:

  
  

  • Planning Permission: You'll need to ensure your chosen premises have the appropriate land use planning permission from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) or approval from the Housing Development Board (HDB).

  • Compliance: You must adhere to the criteria and requirements set by the Licensing Officer, including those related to public safety and order.

  • Regulations: The Public Entertainments Act (PEA) and its related rules govern these licences.   

• Factors Affecting Licence Approval:

  
  

  • Location:

    • Planning permission from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) or approval from the Housing Development Board (HDB) is crucial. This ensures the location is zoned for such activities.

    • The proximity to residential areas and other sensitive locations is considered.

  • Applicant's Background:

    • The applicant must be a "fit and proper person," meaning they have a clean criminal record and a history of compliance with regulations.

  • Premises Safety:

    • Compliance with fire safety regulations from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) is essential.

    • Ensuring the premises are safe for public access.

  • Operating Hours:

    • PELs specify permitted operating hours, which vary depending on the licence type.

    • The police may impose restrictions based on the location and potential impact on the community.

  • Compliance and Enforcement:

    • The police conduct inspections to ensure compliance with licence conditions.

    • Violations can result in fines, demerit points, or licence suspension/ cancellation.

Important Considerations:

• It is very important to not start renovations or open your business before all required licencing is obtained.

In summary, obtaining a Public Entertainment Licence is crucial for operating a billiard saloon in Singapore. It's vital to carefully review the regulations and requirements to ensure compliance.

PEL Types and Operating Hours:

• Establishment Licences:

  • These are the most common for fixed-location businesses like billiard saloons.

  • Within establishment licences, there are variations that determine permissible operating hours. These variations are often designated as:

    • Type A:

      • Typically allows operation until 1 am from Monday to Saturday, and until 2 am on Sundays and public holidays.

    • Type B:

      • Allows later operating hours, typically until 3 am from Monday to Saturday, and until 4 am on Sundays and public holidays.

    • Type C:

      • Allows the latest operating hours, potentially up to 6 am daily.

• Factors Influencing Licence Type:

  • The desired operating hours of your billiard saloon will directly influence which type of establishment licence you must apply for.

  • Additionally, the Singapore Police Force considers factors like:

    • Location of the premises (proximity to residential areas, etc.)

    • Potential impact on public order.

    • The applicant's history of compliance.

• Important Considerations:

  • It's crucial to accurately determine your desired operating hours before applying for a PEL.

  • Operating beyond the permitted hours specified in your licence is a violation and can result in penalties.

  • It is also important to know that demerit points can be given, and that those demerit points can cause a reduction in allowed operating hours.

Application Procedures

When navigating the application procedures for a Public Entertainment Licence (PEL) in Singapore, particularly for a billiard saloon, it's crucial to understand the process and required documentation. Here's a breakdown:

Key Steps and Considerations:

• GoBusiness Singapore Portal:

  • The GoBusiness Singapore portal is a central hub for business licensing. You'll need to use this platform for your PEL application.

  • This portal streamlines the process and provides access to various government services.

• Essential Pre-Application Steps:

  • Planning Permission:

    • Before applying, ensure your chosen premises have the necessary planning permission from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) or approval from the Housing Development Board (HDB). This is vital to confirm that your intended business activity is permitted at the location.

  • Business Registration:

    • Ensure your business is properly registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).

• Application Process:

  • Online Application:

    • PEL applications are primarily submitted online through the GoBusiness Licensing portal.

    • You'll need to use your SingPass for authentication.

  • Required Documents:

    • Provide documents such as:

      • Planning permission from URA or HDB.

      • ACRA business registration details.

      • Potentially, floor plans of the premises.

      • Other supporting documents as required by the Singapore Police Force.

  • "Fit and Proper" Assessment:

    • The Singapore Police Force will assess your suitability to hold a PEL, considering your background and compliance history.

  • Inspections:

    • Pre-licensing inspections of your premises may be conducted to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

  • Licence Issuance:

    • If your application is approved, you'll be issued the PEL after paying the necessary fees.

• Important Notes:

  • Processing Time:

    • The processing time for PEL applications can vary, so it's advisable to apply well in advance of your intended opening date.

  • Compliance:

    • Maintaining ongoing compliance with PEL conditions is essential.

By following these procedures and ensuring thorough preparation, you can increase your chances of a successful PEL application.

Fees

Navigating the fees associated with a Public Entertainment Licence (PEL) in Singapore requires careful attention to the specific type of entertainment being provided. Here's a breakdown of how fees are generally structured, with a focus on billiard saloons:

Key Points Regarding PEL Fees:

• Public Entertainments Rules:

  • The Public Entertainments Rules, found on the Singapore Statutes Online website, provide detailed information on PEL fees.   

  • These rules categorize different types of public entertainment and specify the corresponding fees.   

• Establishment Licences:

  • For establishments like billiard saloons, the relevant fees typically pertain to annual establishment licences.

  • According to the Singapore statutes, that a billiard saloon falls under a category that has a specific per annum fee.  

Billiard Saloon Public Entertainment Licence and Fees One year

Type A	Type B	Type C
Operating hours Up to - 1 a.m. (Monday to Saturday) - 2 a.m. (Sunday and public holiday)	Operating hours Up to - 3 a.m. (Monday to Saturday) - 4 a.m. (Sunday and public holiday)	Operating hours Up to 6 a.m. daily
$360	$480	$600

General Guidance:

• When budgeting for your billiard saloon, factor in the annual PEL fee as a recurring expense.

  
  

Where to Find More Information:

• Singapore Police Force (SPF) Website:

  • This is the official source for detailed PEL information and application procedures.

  • You can find detailed guidelines, requirements, and application forms.

  • This is the definitive source for the information on PEL types and operating hour regulations.

• GoBusiness Singapore:

  • This website is where many of the applications will be processed.

  • This government portal provides information on business licensing and permits requirements.

  • It's a valuable resource for navigating the licensing process.

• Singapore Statutes Online:

  • This website contains the full legal text of the Public Entertainments Act and related regulations.

  • The public entertainments rules found on the Singapore statutes online website also give very valuable information.

How Bestar can Help

Bestar can offer valuable assistance to individuals or businesses looking to navigate the complexities of business licensing in Singapore, including those related to establishing a billiard saloon. Here's how we can help:   

Key Areas of Assistance:

• Licensing Expertise:

  • Bestar has expertise in Singapore's business licensing requirements. We can help you identify the specific licenses needed for your billiard saloon, particularly the Public Entertainment Licence (PEL).   

• Guidance and Streamlining:

  • We can guide you through the licensing process, helping you understand the necessary steps and documentation. This can save you significant time and effort.   

  • We can help to streamline the process of dealing with the various government agencies.   

• Business Registration:

  • A crucial step before licensing is business registration with ACRA. Bestar can assist with this process, ensuring your business is properly registered.   

• Liaison with Government Agencies:

  • We can act as a liaison between you and the relevant government agencies, which can be particularly helpful if you're unfamiliar with the Singaporean business landscape.   

• Clarification and Resources:

  • We can clarify any questions you have about licensing and point you towards valuable resources, such as the GoBusiness Singapore portal and the Singapore Police Force website.   

• Overall Business Formation:

  • Bestar specializes in company incorporation and business formation. Therefore we can help with the entire process of setting up your business, of which licensing is a component.   

In essence, Bestar can help you:

• Understand the specific licensing requirements for your billiard saloon.

• Prepare and submit your license applications.

• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

• Navigate the complexities of dealing with government agencies.

Contact Bestar directly to discuss your specific needs.

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