A Look into the World of Business Licensing

For Internet Cafes

Ordinances and Permits

No Central Government BodyInternet Café Industry is still considered to

be a backyard industryMost of the regulations governing the

industry is based on laws enacted by the local government units therefore it is not uniform from place to place.

No set of standards to be followed.The success of the industry is dependent

upon the support that it receives from the local government units.

Regulations/OrdinancesIt depends from place to place but it is

summarized into the following categories:

1.Regulations pertaining to the protection of the welfare of minors or students.

 Prohibition of students in internet cafes

during class hours ( 7:.00 am to 5:00 pm)There are some municipalities and cities

that provide exemptions like when students are to do research work with the permission of the school.

 

Prohibition on the establishment of internet cafes within a certain area around schools, churches and government buildings.

Prohibiting access to violent, sadistic and pornographic websites.

Prohibiting cubicles in internet cafes so that operators would be able to monitor the activities of their customers

Keeping a log book to record all activities of the internet café customers

In China they are now issuing identification cards with magnetic strips to monitor the customers of an internet cafe.

Curfews imposed by the local government and the barangay.

 

2. Regulations pertaining to the physical plant of the internet café.

 Having the necessary electrical and

sanitary permitsInternet Café distance restrictionsHaving a comfort room for the use of your

customersHaving the necessary fire extinguishers

that you could use in case of a fire.Having sufficient lighting facilities at night Authorities should be able to see the inside

of your internet cafes from the street level.Cubicles are not allowed.

3. Regulations pertaining to the operations of their business.Having the necessary permits from the

local and national governments.Mandatory membership in a recognized

icafe organization.Regulations related to the control of

pricing of computer rentals and services.

4. Regulations pertaining to the use of licensed software.

Permits and Licenses to Secure in Opening an Internet Café Business

Department of Trade and Industries Trade Name Registration

Barangay EndorsementLocal Government Business Permit

Building PermitElectrical PermitSanitary PermitZoningFire InspectionEnvironmental Permit

Microsoft Internet Café Rental Rights Agreement For internet cafes that will be offering cd burning

services secure the necessary permits from the Optical Media Board.

Other permits and licenses as prescribe by the ordinance regulating the operations of internet cafes in a particular municipality or city.