Starting a resort business in West Bengal sounds like a dream venture. The state offers everything from serene hill stations in Darjeeling to coastal beauty in Digha, making it a hotspot for tourists year-round. But before anyone hangs that “Open for Business” sign, they need to navigate through a maze of licenses and permits.
Running a resort isn’t just about beautiful rooms and good food. It’s a regulated business that touches multiple departments. From health and safety to environmental protection, each license serves a specific purpose. Missing even one can lead to hefty fines, operational shutdowns, or legal complications that no resort owner wants to deal with.
Trade License: The Foundation
Every resort in West Bengal needs a Trade License from the local municipal corporation or panchayat. This is the baseline permit that allows any commercial establishment to operate legally within a specific jurisdiction.
Without a valid trade license, a resort can’t legally accept guests. Inspectors conduct random checks, and operating without this basic permit results in immediate penalties. The license requires annual renewal, so owners need to keep track of expiry dates and submit renewal applications on time.
Fire Safety License: Non-Negotiable Protection
Fire safety isn’t optional for any hospitality business. The West Bengal Fire Services mandates that all resorts, regardless of size, must obtain a Fire NOC before starting operations.
The fire department evaluates whether the resort has adequate firefighting equipment installed. They check for properly placed fire extinguishers, functional smoke detectors, clearly marked emergency exits, and accessible fire hydrants. Buildings above certain heights need additional safety measures like sprinkler systems and fire-resistant construction materials.
Inspectors visit the property to verify that everything meets their standards. They look at kitchen safety, electrical wiring, and whether staff members have received basic fire safety training. Once satisfied, they issue the Fire NOC, which typically remains valid for one to three years, depending on the property classification.
Resort owners who skip this step face serious consequences. Beyond legal penalties, insurance companies refuse to cover fire damage claims for properties operating without valid Fire NOCs. That’s a financial risk no business can afford.
Food Safety License
Any resort serving food to guests needs an FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license. This applies whether the resort has a full restaurant, offers breakfast only, or provides room service.
The license category depends on the scale of food operations. Small resorts with an annual turnover below Rs. 12 lakhs can apply for a basic registration. Medium and large operations need state or central licenses, respectively. The application requires details about food handlers, kitchen layout, water source, waste disposal methods, and food storage facilities.
FSSAI inspectors check kitchen hygiene during site visits. They examine food preparation areas, refrigeration units, and whether the staff follows proper hygiene practices. Raw and cooked food must have separate storage. Kitchen staff need health certificates proving they’re fit to handle food.
This license needs renewal every one to five years, depending on the category. Operating without it invites penalties up to Rs. 5 lakhs, and authorities can shut down food operations immediately during inspections.
Tourist Lodge License
The West Bengal Tourism Department requires resorts to obtain a tourist lodge license if they’re marketing themselves as tourist accommodations. This distinguishes legitimate hospitality businesses from unauthorized operations.
The application process involves submitting detailed information about room capacity, amenities offered, tariff structure, and facilities available for guests. The tourism department wants to ensure that resorts maintain the minimum standards expected by travelers.
Inspectors evaluate the property based on cleanliness, room quality, bathroom facilities, water supply, and overall maintenance. They also check whether the resort provides basic amenities like clean linens, functional furniture, and adequate lighting.
Having this license brings additional benefits. The tourism department includes registered resorts in their promotional materials and official directories. Tour operators prefer working with licensed establishments, bringing more business through the door.
Police Verification and Registration
Resorts must register with local police stations and maintain proper guest records. This isn’t technically a separate license but a mandatory compliance requirement under the Foreigners Act and various state regulations.
Every guest checking in needs to provide valid identification. For Indian nationals, this means Aadhaar cards, driving licenses, or passports. Foreign tourists require a passport and a visa. Resorts must maintain these records in a register format and submit periodic reports to the police station.
The local police station also conducts character verification of resort owners and key staff members before operations begin. This background check ensures that people with criminal records aren’t running hospitality businesses.
Pollution Control Board Consent
The West Bengal Pollution Control Board requires resorts to obtain Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate, especially if the property has significant water usage, generates sewage, or operates generators.
The application includes details about wastewater treatment systems, solid waste disposal methods, and measures taken to prevent environmental damage. Resorts near ecologically sensitive areas face stricter scrutiny.
Inspectors check whether the resort treats sewage properly before discharge, disposes of kitchen waste responsibly, and manages garbage without creating public health hazards. They also verify noise pollution levels, particularly if the resort hosts events or parties.
Shops and Establishment Act Registration
Any resort employing staff needs registration under the West Bengal Shops and Establishment Act. This protects employee rights and ensures fair labor practices.
The registration covers working hours, weekly holidays, overtime payments, and other employment conditions. Resort owners must display the registration certificate prominently on the premises.
