Tasmanian Business Licence Information Service (BLIS)

All small businesses operate within a legal and regulatory framework.  As a business operator, you need to be aware of the Commonwealth, State and Local Government laws that could impact on your business.  These include Acts, Regulations, Policies, Orders, By-laws, Licences and Codes of Practice.

The Business Licence Information Service (BLIS) can help you determine the licences that you are likely to require when operating your business in Tasmania, and any codes of practice that you might need to comply with. 

What is a licence?

A licence is a common name for a Government authority or approval.  Licenses regulate activities, locations, events, services, equipment, premises, operators and occupations. 

A licence gives you authorisation to carry on an activity or occupation.  Failure to obtain a licence can result in substantial penalties for your business.

In addition to licences that apply to certain business types or occupations, there are many licences that apply to all businesses.  These include, but are not limited to:

·         Registrations for business names and certain business structures;

·         Registrations for taxation and other business transactions with Government;

·         Location, building and planning controls issued by your local Council; and

·         Requirements for playing music at your premise or over the telephone (such as music on hold).

In BLIS, we use the term licence to cover approvals, registrations, authorities, certificates, accreditations, permits, etc.

What is a code of practice?

A code of practice is a document that, in some circumstances, has the force of law.

Codes generally describe specific requirements, methods or procedures, standards of behaviour or performance measures for various trading situations and certain equipment that may be used by your business.  You may need to comply with codes of practice that are made or referred to under legislation, or as a condition of a licence that is required for your business. 

Please note, in some circumstances you may only need to comply with parts of the code of practice.  It is important that you discuss your intended business with the specified Contact Officer to determine the extent of your compliance obligations.

In BLIS, we use the term code of practice to cover guidelines, standards, specifications, requirements, rules, etc.

                                                                    

I am buying a business – can I get the licences transferred?

Some business licences will be transferable, but as the new business owner you will need to apply for others. Submit a BLIS enquiry to find licences that apply to your new business activity. The licence reports will contain the contact details for the Agencies that you will need to contact directly to find out if a particular licence is transferable.

 

I am moving away from Tasmania – will these licences apply interstate?

Not necessarily. Some Commonwealth licences and codes may apply Australia-wide, but you will need to do a complete check of all applicable Commonwealth, State and Local Government licences and codes in your new location. Check the links page for details of BLISs operating in other States and Territories.

What does your BLIS Package contain?

Your BLIS package includes information to help you answer common questions that you may have when starting or operating a business in Tasmania.  For example:

·         What licences might I need?

·         What do I need to have or do to obtain/renew/vary/transfer a licence?

·         How much does it cost?

·         What codes of practice might I need to comply with?

·         Who can I talk to/where can I get more information?

·         What forms do I need to fill in?

·         May I lodge an appeal if my application is not approved?

·         How is the content set out?

To assist you interpret the outcomes of your BLIS enquiry, BLIS content is grouped into two categories:

Common Requirements	These requirements are generally required by your nominated business type or occupation
Related Requirements	These requirements are relevant to your business, but depend on the scope of the business that you intend to operate.

What if I can’t find my business activity?

Try re-wording your search, searching under a broader heading, or simplifying the subject matter. A browse function is also provided. 

What should you do next?

It is recommended that you discuss the requirements outlined in your BLIS package with the specified Contact Officers.

·         Before commencing business, it is important that you:

·         Develop a business plan and ensure that you are ready to start your business;

·         Seek professional advice;

·         Obtain information on insurance, workplace and taxation issues; and

·         Familiarise yourself with the Acts, Regulations and other requirements that apply to your business type or occupation. 

Who can you talk to for more information?

Further assistance and information can be obtained from:

·         The Business Point;

·         Business Enterprise Centres;

·         Lawyers;

·         Accountants;

·         Business Advisors;

·         Relevant industry associations; and

·         The contacts listed in your BLIS package.

 

What is Business Point?

The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts’s Business Point is a fast, free and confidential telephone information and referral service for people starting and operating a business in Tasmania.

Business Point can help you with questions about establishing a business, expanding your business, marketing, licensing, accessing government programs and much more.

 

 

For more information on starting, operating or expanding a business in Tasmania, please visit www.development.tas.gov.au or phone the Business Point team on 1800 440 026.