The definition for entertainment and recreation business is broad. It can be a fishing farm or a Kelong where you can fish for prawns; a karaoke lounge or nightclub; or a miniature golf park and more. If you are interested in starting such a business , you will have to first:
1. Register your business first with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore (ACRA). Your business must register as a sole proprietorship, partnership or a private limited company.
2. Secure a premise for your business. The premise has to be zoned for commercial use and approved for entertainment and/or recreation use by URA.
Securing a Premise
Once you have secured a space, do make sure that it is current on building codes and fire safety measures. If the existing premise is not set up to accommodate an entertainment or recreation establishment, you can discuss with the landlord to apply for a Change of Use with the Urban Redevelopment Board. Depending on the type of recreation or entertainment business you plan to have, the facility may or may not have stringent guidelines in the design and layout, so it will be worthwhile for you to do the research for the specific entertainment or recreation business you intend to set up to avoid rejection when inspected.
Any major renovation of the premise requires an application for a building work permit through Building and Construction Authority of Singapore (BCA). When the building works are complete, you will also need to obtain from BCA: a Certificate of Statutory Completion and/or a Temporary Occupation Permit before you can occupy the space. All renovation works are to be performed by certified or licensed contractors including architects. A business signage that is to be placed on the building will require an application of an Advertisement License from BCA. You will also need a Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) prior to occupying the building. You can obtain an FSC from Singapore Civil Defense Force through a registered architect or engineer.
Additional Licenses & Permits
Depending on the type of business and how you plan to set up the premise, you may or may not need the following licenses and permits:
Two licenses are required to play recorded, copyrighted music on your business premise. You will need to apply for a Public Entertainment License from Singapore Police Force (SPF) and a Copyright License from the Composers and Authors Society of Singapore.
If you plan to have TV, you will need to apply for a Non-residential TV License from Media Development Authority for each TV or broadcast devise on your premise. Playing of music or Karaoke videos requires a license from the Recording Industry Performance Singapore.