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Your event venue checklist, item by item
Q: Before I open an event venue, what paperwork may I need?
A: Here is the paperwork map for your event venue. Every item says MAY, because what applies depends on how the business is set up, and sorting that out is our job. It also lists the personal license or trade license of the person doing the work, because a business license alone does not cover that.
1. Business license: A business license for an event venue MAY ask about guest capacity, the types of events you host, your hours and whether food, music or alcohol will be part of bookings.
2. Professional or trade license: Certified food manager: Whoever oversees catering in the venue may need a personal food manager certificate, along with a trained crowd manager where occupancy is large.
3. Assembly occupancy permit: A space that holds crowds may need a permit confirming capacity, exits and safety measures.
4. Alcohol service permit: Weddings and parties with bar service may need a special license or per-event permit.
5. Fire safety clearance: Exits, alarms, sprinklers and posted capacity limits may be inspected before events begin.
6. Certificate of liability insurance: Proof of coverage is typically requested from the venue and sometimes from each renter.
7. Employer registration: Once people are on the payroll, you MAY also need an employer ID, a withholding account and workers' compensation coverage.
8. Company papers: Depending on how you want to own and name the business, an LLC, a DBA or a tax ID number may come next; we prepare those too.
Need two licenses? Pay our service fee once. Order the business license and, if a home occupation permit or another license is also required, we obtain both under that single service fee. The govt's own annual tax and application fees are separate and are not included; finding and filling out the applications is what we do.
Why people love this line of work
Bookings come in months ahead and renters often return for anniversaries, reunions and holiday parties.
Opening day, imagined
Cordelia stood in the empty hall of Lantern & Ivy Hall, tested the lights and realized only the license was missing from the guest book table.
What can go wrong
A guest falls on the dance floor and the injury claim names the venue's owner personally.
Codes and counts
Business code (NAICS): 531120 (Lessors of Nonresidential Buildings, except Miniwarehouses). This page lists 8 paperwork items for an event venue, and each one is marked as something you MAY need, since we confirm which apply.
Tip: Walk every booking through a written checklist covering noise, cleanup, security and damage deposits.
Weddings are beautiful until someone says the DJ is late and the cake is leaning.
Ready when you are: start your order and we will find out what applies to your event venue, fill out the applications and keep the paperwork moving. |