Operating a business with public use

[TNW]

Hi - I’m working on a business case for a possible new venture that would require operating a large outside space (rented or owned) that would be assessable and useable by the public for a fee. It’s a departure from anything I’ve considered before and was wondering if there was a source of information (public domain / gov or 3rd party) where I could understand all the things that would need to be considered such as liabilities, licensing, specialist insurance, specific H&S requirements and anything else that would be needed beyond that for just operating a business without public use? Any pointers? - thanks

[StevieBee]

Your first two points of call need to be land owner and local authority. If the land is public realm, then both will be the local authority. Before you go too deep you will need to a) see if they will grant you permission and b) how much they will charge you. If the answer to both of those is positive, then the conditions that will apply will set out the requirements in terms of insurance and H&S requirements. When you approach them, you will need to be specific about the exact location as there will be requirements pertaining to emergency services access, utilities, visual appearance and such like.

[MOMACC]

Insurance - explain the risk and I'll let you know the insurance solutions.