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Whether you’ve mastered authentic Neapolitan pizza or invented a brand-new fusion cuisine, starting your own restaurant may seem like the next logical step. However, there are many more responsibilities involved beyond drafting the menu. If you’re excited about opening up an eatery of your own, but confused as to your legal obligations, use the following guide to get on the right track before hiring an attorney.

Your Legal To-Do List for Starting a Restaurant

First, you’ll have to decide on a business entity for your enterprise. Some companies choose to operate as a sole proprietorship or partnership, but these entities aren’t protected from personal liability. Since a restaurant provides many opportunities for injury—slippery kitchens, hazardous tools, bustling dining rooms—you might want to work under the protection of a corporation or a limited liability company. If an accident were to happen, you wouldn’t be held personally liable for the damages; your business would.

attorneyIf you plan to serve alcohol on the premises, you’ll need to obtain a liquor license for the establishment. At the very least, you’ll need a permit for foodservice, so your cooks and waiters can legally prepare and carry your dishes to customers. Restaurants also have a set capacity based on their square footage, and your eatery will need to be assessed by a fire, police, or building department for fire safety regarding capacity and emergency exits.

How an Attorney Can Help 

The above information is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to opening a restaurant, and the legal obligations can quickly become overwhelming. If left unaddressed, they could threaten the livelihood of your restaurant altogether. That’s why it pays to hire an attorney who knows what will be expected of you by the government. They can help you file detailed paperwork and submit it to the correct institutions. For example, a food handling permit requires communication with a local government office, which an attorney can help facilitate.

If you need a liquor license, you’ll almost certainly need legal assistance, as this process requires a drawn-out application with a state agency. An attorney can also help set up insurance policies to protect your employees in case of on-the-job injuries or safeguard your business if a patron gets injured on the premises. Even if your restaurant is already part of an established franchise, an attorney can help you choose the most profitable location, and fight for your best interests in negotiations with the franchisor.

 

Whether you’ve got the next great food truck or want to rebrand the eatery that’s been in your family for generations, Lane, Felix & Raisbeck CO, LPA, can help. They have over 30 years of experience helping clients throughout the Cincinnati, OH, area, and they’re proud to offer 24/7 assistance to those in need. In addition to business law, these attorneys work on cases ranging from family law to wrongful death. To learn more about their many practice areas, visit the website or call (513) 922-7700 to schedule a consultation.

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