What types of qualifications do I need to open...?

Question

I'm looking to open a small lounge with a couple of 1-2 pool tables, 5-10 computes, a couple of tables and sell drinks and make coffee/tea but nothing alchoholic.(except beers). What kind of licenses do I need to have and permits? I know I need a EIN to employ workers and also need insurance and obviously a place to have the lounge. If its possible please explain in your own words instead of linking me to other sites, I kinda want someone with somewhat of a hands on expierience with this type of situation. Thank you.

Answer 1

As you mentioned, you'll need you're EIN. You also need to check with state and local agencies, because you'll need a business license, a liquor license (yes, beer counts as liquor), and a DBA certificate--I'm assuming you're not going to call your loungs "John Doe, lounge) so you'll need to file a DBA (Doing business as, sometimes called an ABN-assumed business name) certificate. Once you have your EIN, DBA certification and Business License you'll need to file for a state tax certificate for sales and witholding taxes. Let me know via email if you have any other questions

Answer 2

This type of business has a high failure rate due to poor management so make sure that you are watching your bottom line ( meaning cash). Then the next thing you need to do is talk with an accountant or tax lawyer to see what you need to do to set up your books. The only permit you will need is for the health department and you will need a liquor license. The biz license you can get that downtown. I am assuming that you are going to have a place with Internet access. Think about charging 5 dollars an hour for people wanting to surf the net. Good luck.

Answer 3

I'm not exactly what you are looking for but a few suggestions. 1. Get a lawyer to advise you on the things you need to start a business and to help you in the purchase of your structure. You don't want to get into something and find out you've spent multiple thousands of dollars and done something wrong. The myriad of things that can go wrong is enormous so you need to protect yourself. Getting a lawyer is the smartest thing you could do. 2. Be careful, make sure you know exactly what is involved in the day to day run of the business. You need to be able to commit yourself full time to it, it should not be like a part time job or something that you hire a couple of people to do for you while you work a full time job. That is a recipe for disaster. It's ok to have employees, but you need to RUN the business.