Shop and Establishment Registration
Every state has its own Shop and Establishment Act. However, the general provisions of the Act are the same in all states. The Shop and Establishment Act is regulated by the Labor Department of the respective states. The Act regulates all the shops and commercial establishments operating within the state. The respective states issue the registrations under the Act, and thus it slightly differs from one state to another state.
Shops are generally defined under the Act as the premises where the selling of goods take place either by retail or wholesale or where services are rendered to customers. It includes offices, godowns, storerooms and warehouses used in connection with the trade or business.
Commercial establishments are generally defined as a commercial, banking, trading or insurance establishment or administrative service in which persons are employed for office work. It includes a hotel, boarding or eating house, restaurant, cafe, theater, or other public entertainment or amusement places. However, factories and industries are not covered by the Act and are regulated by the Factories Act, 1948 and Industries (Development and Regulation) Act 1951.