Procedure for a Discotheque Business License

The procedure for obtaining a Discotheque Business License is a critical process for organizations and individuals intending to operate in this sector. This is a conditional business line, subject to strict state management to ensure security, social order, cultural standards, and consumer rights. This article by Long Phan Consulting Company provides a detailed analysis of this procedure according to the latest regulations.

Conditions for a Discotheque Business License

The procedure is detailed in Subsection 2, Section I, Part II of Decision No. 3520/QD-BVHTTDL, issued by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on November 19, 2024. Applicants must meet the following conditions to be eligible for a Discotheque Business License:

• Be an enterprise or business household established under the law.
• Comply with all fire prevention, security, and order conditions as stipulated in Decree No. 96/2016/ND-CP and Decree No. 56/2023/ND-CP.
• The discotheque hall must have a usable area of 80 square meters or more, excluding ancillary works.
• No locks or bolts may be installed on the inside of the discotheque hall doors, and no alarm systems are permitted, except for fire and explosion alarms.
• The business location must be at least 200 meters away from schools, hospitals, religious and belief establishments, and historical-cultural relics.

Competent Authority

The competent authority to process the application is either the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism or the Department of Culture and Sports, depending on the specific province or city. Applicants may submit the dossier to the competent authority through one of the following methods:

• Direct submission at the authority’s office.
• Online submission via the National Public Service Portal.
• Submission by post.

Required Dossier Components

Applicants for a Discotheque Business License must prepare one complete dossier set, which includes the following documents:

• An Application for a License of Business Eligibility for discotheque services (using Form No. 01, issued with Decree No. 148/2024/ND-CP of the Government on November 12, 2024).
• A certified copy of the Certificate of Eligibility for Security and Order, or a copy presented with the original for verification.

Procedure for a Discotheque Business License

The procedure includes the following steps:

Step 1: Dossier Submission The enterprise or business household submits one dossier set to the competent authority (the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism or the Department of Culture and Sports).

Step 2: Dossier Review and Inspection Team Formation

• If the dossier is incomplete or incorrect, the receiving authority will issue a written notice requesting completion within 01 working day.
• If the dossier is complete, the authority will review it within 03 working days. The authority then reports to the provincial People’s Committee to establish an On-site Inspection Team. This team will inspect the proposed business location to verify compliance with all conditions. The team consists of no more than 07 members, including representatives from Police, Culture, Construction, and other relevant agencies.

Step 3: On-site Inspection Within 04 working days of its establishment, the On-site Inspection Team conducts the inspection and issues a formal result report.

Step 4: Issuance of License Within 03 working days from the date of the inspection results, the provincial People’s Committee or a delegated agency will issue the Discotheque Business License. If the application is rejected, a written response stating the reasons must be provided.

Step 5: Distribution and Publication The competent authority sends one copy of the license to the business, the business registration agency, and the local police. One copy is retained by the licensing authority. The license information is also published on the licensing authority’s official website.

Consulting Services from Long Phan Consulting Company

As a conditional business line, the discotheque sector is under strict management. Long Phan Consulting Company understands the challenges businesses face and offers comprehensive services to support clients through the licensing procedure accurately and efficiently. Our professional services include:

• Provide detailed consultation on the mandatory conditions for a Discotheque Business License.
• Assist clients in preparing and drafting the dossier according to all legal requirements.
• Submit the dossier to the competent state authority on behalf of the client.
• Monitor the application process and communicate with authorities as required.
• Receive the final results and deliver the official Discotheque Business License to the client.

Frequently Asked Questions

Definition of Discotheque Services

According to Clause 22, Article 2 of Decree 54/2019/ND-CP, discotheque services involve providing a dance floor, stage, sound, and lighting for dancing, singing, or artistic performances at eligible venues.

Procedure Fees

Yes, there are official fees. As specified in Decision No. 3520/QD-BVHTTDL, the appraisal fee for issuing a license varies by location:

• In centrally-run cities and provincial cities/towns: The fee is VND 15,000,000 per license.
• In other areas: The fee is VND 10,000,000 per license.

Processing Time

The total processing time for issuing a Discotheque Business License is 10 working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid dossier.

Procedure for Business Cessation

According to Article 14 of Decree 54/2019/ND-CP, upon voluntary cessation of business, the enterprise must submit a written notification of cessation and return the original license to the issuing authority.

Conclusion

Completing the procedure for a Discotheque Business License is the decisive first step for the legal and stable operation of a business. This process demands thorough preparation and strict adherence to legal conditions. For professional legal support to ensure the procedure is smooth, fast, and compliant, please contact Long Phan Consulting Company via our hotline at 1900636389.