Opening a Café or Restaurant in Belarus
Launching a catering establishment is a complex, responsible, but important and exciting event for any entrepreneur. Following the Decree № 7, opening a catering enterprise in Belarus requires fewer steps. Many decisions are no longer regulated by law and do not require approval. However, it is important to understand the state’s regulation of this sector in order to do everything correctly and quickly.
The main stages of launching a catering facility apply to any type of enterprise, whether it be a café, restaurant, bar, or other. So, let’s consider the stages of Opening a Catering Enterprise in Belarus.
1. Finding premises for the catering enterprise
At this stage, it is important to have a clear concept of the future project so that the premises are suitable for creating the appropriate atmosphere and generating maximum profit. Additionally, the following factors should be considered:
| Factor | Considerations |
| Purpose of the premises according to the technical passport | Under Decree № 7, the designated purpose of the premises does not matter for catering, but it may still be relevant. For example, it is difficult to locate a bar with nighttime operating hours in residential buildings. Proximity to educational institutions may become an issue when obtaining a license to trade alcohol. |
| Whether the premises previously included a catering establishment | If yes, the facility will more likely be able to obtain swift approval from the sanitary-epidemiological service (SanStantsiya). If a catering establishment is being opened for the first time, renovations and bringing the premises into compliance with sanitary regulations may require a significant budget. |
| Condition of the premises | How clean and tidy the kitchens and food storage areas appear. |
2. Registration in the Trade Register in Belarus
This procedure is neither complex nor time-consuming. However, according to the Regulations, a positive decision requires compliance with the requirements applicable to your type of object, which are contained in various legal acts – from rules on the circulation of alcohol products to sanitary requirements.
Documents are generally submitted through the executive committee. If there are no objections, according to the Regulations, the catering enterprise will be included in the Trade Register within 3 days.
3. Acquiring and installing a cash register and payment terminal
The company has to purchase and install a cash register and a payment terminal, and register them with the tax authorities. Currently, banks offer servicing for payment terminals and cash registers, and under such service agreements, they register the equipment on your behalf. Service costs vary depending on the bank.
4. Obtaining a license for alcohol and tobacco sales in Belarus
If your company wishes to sell alcoholic beverages with an alcohol above 7% as well as tobacco products, you have to obtain a license.
The license is issued over a lengthy period (up to 3 weeks) which should be taken into account when planning the opening timeline of your restaurant. So, either submit the documents in advance, or operate initially without selling such alcohol products.
5. Approval of nighttime operating hours
Approval is required only for establishments operating between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
6. Mandatory sanitary-epidemiological examination
This stage is mandatory for all enterprises working with food products. The company has to apply for the examination within 30 days after opening, but preparation for this stage should begin well in advance.
In general, the sanitary-epidemiological service (SanStantsiya) checks compliance with sanitary regulations in the organization of kitchen operations. If anything does not comply, the authority will indicate which aspects need to be corrected and set a deadline for remedying the non-compliance.
Most matters are currently not regulated by the state: for example, it is no longer necessary to draw up an assortment list for the catering. At the same time, safety requirements in other areas still apply – for instance, the owner of a catering facility is obliged to ensure fire safety.
Services of Green Legal
Are you thinking about opening a café or restaurant in Belarus but don’t know where to start? The lawyers Green Legal will help you understand all the intricacies of the law and provide turnkey legal support for your business.
We can help you to:
- determine the optimal legal form for your business
- prepare all necessary documents for registration
- obtain a license for the sale of alcohol and tobacco products
- develop a production control program
- advise on matters related to passing the sanitary-epidemiological examination
- conclude contracts with suppliers
- organize personnel management, including if you are hiring foreigners.