The following is an outline of some of the key pieces of legislation that you should be aware of.
What licences does a book shop need?
Book shops are not specifically licensed, so you may not need to do anything further in respect of licensing matters.
Selling secondhand books
You may intend to sell second-hand books, either as well as or instead of new titles. Local authorities in Scotland require second-hand dealers to obtain a licence or registration to operate. This applies unless dealing in second-hand goods is only incidental to the main business activity. Elsewhere in the UK, some local authorities license or register businesses (with some specific exemptions) where second-hand dealing is the main or a significant part of the business and is not just incidental. If you are in any doubt as to whether second-hand dealer licensing may apply to your business, contact your local authority trading standards department for guidance.
Selling food and drink
If you intend to open a coffee shop or cafe within your outlet then you'll need to register as a food business with your local authority environmental health department. They will inspect your premises to make sure that they comply with food safety and hygiene legislation. There's no charge for registering. Contact your local authority environmental health service for more information.
Data protection
If you keep computerised records of individuals' personal details you may need to register with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), although there are exemptions covering information used only for staff administration or for the business's own marketing purposes (exempt organisations must nevertheless ensure that they comply at all times with data protection legislation). There is a small fee for registering. More information about who needs to register is available on the ICO website.
Retailing
There is a wide range of legislation that applies to retail outlets, much of which protects the interests of the consumer. For example, the retail price of goods must be clearly displayed. You will be responsible for making sure that all goods or services are fit for their intended purpose and of satisfactory quality. There is special additional consumer protection legislation that applies if you sell things by mail order or online.
There's detailed guidance on your legal obligations to consumers, and on the requirements when selling online, on the Trading Standards Business Companion website. More information about consumer protection legislation is also available on the Gov.uk website. Your local trading standards department should also be able to advise you if you have a specific query.
Food hygiene
If your outlet includes a cafe area or serves food and drink to customers then food hygiene and safety legislation will apply. You can find out more about all aspects of food safety legislation on the Food Standards Agency website.
Finding out more
The Booksellers Association provides help and support for its members on a range of legal issues. It offers members a free business support helpline to give information on matters such as employment and health and safety law. More information about legislation that affects the book selling industry is also available on the Booksellers Association website.
Carrier bag charge
A minimum 10p charge applies for single-use carrier bags in England (other rules apply in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland). You can get detailed guidance from the GOV.UK website.
Health & Safety, fire
You must comply with workplace health and safety and fire safety legislation.
Employment legislation
Anyone employing staff must comply with employment legislation. Important areas of legislation include recruitment, employment contracts, pay, working hours, holidays, employment policies, sickness, maternity, paternity, discrimination, discipline, grievances, dismissals, redundancies and employment tribunals.
Insurance for a book shop
Contact an insurer or insurance broker and explain exactly how your business will operate - they will then explain what insurance cover you must have by law, and other cover you should consider. This might include:
- employer's liability (if you employ staff)
- public liability
- premises, premises contents and stock
- plate glass window cover
- cover for computer systems and data
- motor insurance (for any business vehicles, for example a van)
- cash and book tokens
- business interruption
- key-man insurance
Insurance quotes can vary considerably and you should obtain several quotes for comparison purposes. Make sure though that you are comparing like with like - read the policy notes to check that each quote is for the same level of cover.
The Booksellers Association offers access to tailored business insurance at special rates to members through their nominated insurer. More information about this and other membership benefits is available on the Booksellers Association website.