Starting a successful bowling alley takes more than knowing how to give a good haircut. One important aspect of successfully starting a business is researching and applying for the licenses and permits that are needed to operate legally.

The question, “what business license do I need to start my business” is a common one, but in reality, a business will often need multiple licenses, permits, and registrations from federal, state, and local agencies.

Related: Guide to starting a bowling alley

What Licenses Do You Need to Start a Bowling Alley?

 

Local Licensing

Though licensing requirements vary, most cities and/or counties require a bowling alley to be licensed to operate instead of the state.

In addition to licensing for a bowling alley, businesses that have billiard tables and coin-operated amusement devices such as dartboards, jukeboxes, video games, etc., may be subject to obtaining additional licensing as well.

For example, in Brooklyn, Minnesota, a Bowling Alley License is required through the City Clerk’s office. In addition to the license, Proof of Workers’ Compensation Insurance Coverage form and Minnesota Business Tax Identification is required as well.

In Pittsfield, Massachusetts, an annual bowling alley license is required through the City’s Licensing Board. In addition to the bowling alley license, coin-operated devices are licensed as well.

A Bowling Alley License application is available from the City of Shawano in Wisconsin. Business license fees are based on the number of lanes of the alley.

 

In addition to bowling alley-specific licensing, there will likely be general licensing requirements to start a business.  Here are a few of the common licenses and permits that a bowling alley may need:

Liquor License

Selling alcoholic beverages brings quite a few regulatory requirements for a business. Every state requires obtaining a liquor license, and depending on where the business is located, a local license may be required as well.

Food Permits

If your bowling alley also sells food, your local health department will require a food handling permit.  In order to get a food permit, at least one employee who is serving prepared foods and drinks to the public will need to have obtained a food sanitation permit, in addition to the facility being randomly inspected.

General Business License or Permit

Depending on where the business is located, a general business license or permit may be required. A few states require a business license; however, they are more commonly found at the city level.

Learn more: Business license requirements by state

Business Name Registration

While not necessarily a business license, it’s worth noting that in order to use a name for a business, many states require the registration of that name. Making matters more complicated, the process of name registration is different by state and the type of business entity.

For instance, sole proprietorships and partnerships generally need to register a business name (also referred to as a Doing Business As, DBA, fictitious name, or assumed name).

Learn: How to register a DBA

Corporations and LLCs register are a little easier in that their name is registered when forming the entity.

Related: What is the difference between a sole proprietorship, partnership, Corporation, or LLC?

Federal Employer Identification Number

The Federal Employer Identification Number (also referred to as a FEIN, Employer Identification Number, EIN, or Federal Tax ID Number) is a unique nine-digit number that identifies a business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Any business with employees or those that form as a partnership, Corporation, and in many cases an LLC, the business will need to get an EIN.

Sole proprietors and single-owner LLCs without employees can instead use the owner’s social security number.

Learn: How to get an EIN

Sales Tax Permit or Business Tax Number

In order to sell products and/or offer certain services, a state sales tax permit (business tax number or tax ID number) may be needed.  This permit creates an account number with the state’s Department of Revenue or a similarly named state taxing agency.

Additionally, hiring employees will also likely require a state tax number.

Learn: How to get a sales tax permit

Resale Certificate

When buying products such as food or bowling supplies to sell to customers, the business can purchase these items tax-free. A resale certificate (sometimes referred to as a seller’s permit) allows a business to purchase inventory, and instead of paying the sales tax to their vendor, they charge the sales tax to the end-user of the product.

A resale certificate only allows a business to not pay sales tax for items being resold, and sales tax will still need to be paid for supplies or equipment.

Learn: How to get a resale certificate

Certificate of Occupancy

In most communities, a bowling alley will need to secure a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) before operating in a commercial building.  This certificate is typically obtained from the city, but sometimes from the county, and allows a business to occupy and operate from a building provided the building complies with zoning regulations, building codes, and any other local requirements.

Before starting your bowling alley, be sure to check with the local zoning department to ensure the business can legally operate out of the chosen location.

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