Retail Store Fast Facts

Summary

PERMITS
The following is a list of the permits you may need in order to operate a Retail Store in Nova Scotia. Please keep in mind that there might be additional permits that you require which are not listed or some of these permits may not be applicable to your business.
 
Business Registration - Most businesses are required to register in Nova Scotia.  When you register your business, you will also receive a business number, which is required for taxation purposes.  Often suppliers will also request a business number before offering you credit.

For further information, please contact:
Registry of Joint Stock Companies
Phone:  1-800-225-8227
See the document: Registry of Joint Stock Companies
Web Site: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/rjsc/forms.stm

Advertising Sign by Highway Licence - One way to attract visitors to your Retail Store is by using highway signage.  In Nova Scotia a licence is required for all highway signage located within 1000 metres of a public highway.

For further information, please contact:
Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Public Works Office
Phone: (902) 424-4457
Nova Scotia Permit Directory: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/paal/trans/paal288.stm

Food Establishment Permit - A grocery or convenience store or any other type of retail outlet that sells food is required to obtain a Food Establishment Permit.  Businesses must first complete the application form after which an on-site inspection will be conducted before the permit is approved.

For further information, please contact:
Food Establishment Permit
Phone:  (902) 424-1173 Halifax Regional Municipality area
Phone:  (902) 893-7473 all other areas of Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Permit Directory: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/paal/AGRIC/paal006.stm

Gasoline, Propane and Diesel Oil Retail Vendor Permit - Retailers who wish to sell gasoline, propane and/or diesel oil to the public are required to obtain this permit.  

For further information, please contact:
Gasoline, Propane and Diesel Oil Retail Vendor Permit
Phone: 1-800-565-2336
Nova Scotia Permit Directory:

Municipal Permits - Most municipalities in Nova Scotia have permits and licenses, which are required in order to operate a business.  The type of permits and requirements can vary greatly so it is important that you contact your local municipality to determine what you need.  You can find the contact information for your municipality in the phone book or at the Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations web site: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/muns/contact

Office of the Fire Marshal - If you plan to build or renovate a retail store, a copy of the building plan must be submitted to the Office of the Fire Marshal for approval.  After construction is completed, a final inspection by a Fire Marshal will be required before you can begin operations.

For further information, please contact:
Office of the Fire Marshal
Phone: 1-800-559-3473
See the document Office of the Fire Marshal
Web Site: http://www.gov.ns.ca/enla/ofm

Retail Business Uniform Closing Day Act - In Nova Scotia many retail businesses are required by law to be closed on Sundays and holidays.  However, some types of retail stores are exempt from this law and are allowed to open on Sundays.  Such exempt operations include video rental outlets, antique stores and certain convenience stores.  Check the Retail Business Uniform Closing Day Act to see how the law applies to your retail business.

For further information, please contact:
Retail Business Uniform Closing Day Act
Phone:  (902) 424-7125
See the document
Web Site: http://www.gov.ns.ca/just/regulations/regs/rbusday.htm

SOCAN Music Licence - Generally if you use music for the public's appreciation in your commercial premises, you need a licence from the Society of Composers Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN).  Examples of commercial premises where you will need a licence include restaurants, common rooms in Bed & Breakfast operations, and retail stores, etc.

For further information, please contact:
Society of Composers Authors and Music Publishers of Canada
Phone: 1-800-707-6226
See the document Society of Composers Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) 
Web Site: http://www.socan.ca

Tobacco Retail Vendor Permit - Any retail store that wants to sell tobacco in Nova Scotia is required to have a Tobacco Retail Vendor Permit.

For further information, please contact:
Tobacco Retail Vendor Permit
Phone:  1-800-565-2336
Nova Scotia Permit Directory: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/paal/tax/paal053.asp

Smoking Signage - There are a number of regulations pertaining to designated smoking areas and signage. Please see the document Tobacco Control Strategy for details.

For further information, please contact: 
Nova Scotia Health Promotion
Tobacco Control Strategy
World Trade and Convention Centre
1800 Argyle St, Suite 520
Halifax, NS B3J 2R7
Tel: (902) 424-1890
Fax: (902) 424-3135
Web: www.gov.ns.ca/ohp/tcu

Video Outlet Licence - All retailers who rent and/or sell videos (including DVDs) to the public must have a Video Outlet Licence.

For further information, please contact:
Video Outlet Licence
Phone:  (902) 424-6160 Dartmouth
Phone:  (902) 563-3495 Sydney
Phone:  1-800-565-0556 Toll Free
Nova Scotia Permit Directory:

Worker's Compensation Board - Most firms, which employ three or more workers, need to register for coverage.  Any employer who fails to register but is required to do so under the Act may be liable for the full cost of any workplace accident, plus additional penalties.

For further information, please contact:
Worker's Compensation Board
Phone: Employer Services: 1-877-211-9267
See the document   Workers' Compensation Board
Web Site: http://www.wcb.ns.ca

C/NSBSC REFERENCE LIBRARY
The Canada/Nova Scotia Business Service Centre (C/NSBSC) Reference Library is a great resource for potential and established entrepreneurs.  Resources are available for the public's use within the library during regular hours of operation.  The following lists some of the Retail Store resources available for use in the C/NSBSC Reference Library:

Guide to Starting and Operating a Retail Tourism Business in Nova Scotia - Nova Scotia Department of Tourism and Culture, 1999.

Retail Sector in Canada - Retail Council of Canada, 1998.

Winning Retail : A Self-Assessment and Instructional Guide for Independent Retailers - Industry Canada, 1996.

Retail Chains in Canada 2002 - Maclean Hunter Publishing Limited, 2001.

There are many more excellent resources for Retail Stores at the C/NSBSC Library located at 1575 Brunswick Street in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  You can also access a selection of our most popular reference books at one of the Community Business Resource Sites located throughout the province.  Call our toll-free number for the site nearest you  or see the document .

WEB SITES OF INTEREST
Retail Council of Canada - http://www.retailcouncil.org
canadianretail.com - http://www.canadianretail.com/cr/content/Content.po
National Retail Foundation - http://www.nrf.com/content/default.asp?folder=home&file;=main.htm&bhcp;=1
retailinteractive.ca - http://retailinteractive.ca/SSG/ri00006e.html
Retailing on the Internet - Canadian Institute of Retailing and Services -http://www.ciras.com

If you are unable to access any of the above websites, please call one of our Business Information Officers who may be able to provide you with the contact information you need.