Legal Question in Business Law in Utah

Re: Opening a dance club

Hello,

There are a number of things that need to be addressed. You need to check with the city's planning and zoning office to see if a business license can be issued for a music/dance establishment at your proposed location. If the location needs remodelling to suit your needs, will the landlord pay for any of it? Also, a building permit will likely be required for alterations. How large is the facility and how many people do you plan to accomodate? Is there sufficient parking space available, Restroom facilities, etc (again, Planning and Zoning)? You may need to check with ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) regarding any royalties that may be payable for performance of music. It would be a good idea to incorporate as a separate business entity (Limited Liability Companies (LLC's) are rather user-friendly legal entities under which to do your business.) Presumeably you will have employees and you will need a federal employer tax ID number and for resale of products a state tax ID, which you would get after organizing your business entity.

There are any number of other issues that can come up as your concept progresses, such as Will there be any food prepared? If so, you will want to check into food handling training/permits. Is the building structurally sound for your use?

If you are going to have partners you will need a written agreement among yourselves to cover all of the various rights and responsibilities.

This is brief, but it includes some basics.

You might also inquire of others who have opened a new business, which could be a restaurant, spa, gym, or other business. Many of the issues they have encountered will be the same that you will encounter and they can share their experiences and helpful advice with you.

Let me know if I can be of more specific help to you.

Mel Larew

Re: Opening a dance club

You will need to contact the local municipality for information on their requirements. They differ from city to city. You should consider forming a limited liability company to own and manage the facility, to protect you personally from any liability. The more you can do in the name of the company the better for you personally.