Regulatory Checklist:
Setting Up An Arts, Dramatic Arts Or Music Business

Thinking of setting up an arts, dramatic arts or music business (opera/theatre producer, theatre/concert hall, orchestra, dance band, supporting arts services, etc.)?  Use this regulatory checklist as a guide.

It sets out the minimum steps you need to take in order to comply with regulations when setting up an arts or music business.

Please note that this checklist does not cover non-regulatory matters such as accounting, budgeting and product pricing.

	Action Item	Compulsory Or Optional	Timeline Approval or processing time by Government agency.	Fees/Cost Government-related fees and subsidies.
PREPARATION
1.	Register Your Business All businesses must register with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).	Compulsory	Generally within the same business day.	S$65 – S$615 depending on the type of business.
PREMISES
2.	Secure Your Premises You can rent from the Government or private landlords. The premises must be approved for “use” as an arts or music business.	Compulsory	Varies according to market conditions.	Rental rates and rental deposits vary according to market conditions.
3.	Ensure Your Premises Comply With Regulations You must have approval to/for: a) building works b) fire safety works c) occupation of the premises	Compulsory	Varies depending on the approvals that you require.	Varies depending on the approvals that you require.
4.	Renovate/Carry Out Works If you wish to renovate or carry out works, you must obtain approval for: a) building works b) fire safety works c) works on conservation building d) signage on buildings	Optional	Varies depending on the approvals that you require.	Varies depending on the approvals that you require.
MANPOWER
5.	Hire Staff Please ensure all your foreign employees have valid work passes/work permits.	Optional	-	-
LICENCES, PERMITS & REGISTRATIONS
6.	Obtain An Arts Entertainment (AE) Licence You must apply for this licence to hold free or paid arts/music performances or exhibitions for the general public.	Optional	Generally within 6 - 8 weeks.	S$5 - S$10 per day depending on the type of arts/music activity.
7.	Obtain A Public Entertainment (PE) Ad-Hoc Licence You must apply for this licence to play recorded music at an arts event for the general public. You also need to apply for a Copyright Permit together with this licence.	Optional	Generally within 7 working days.	Varies depending on the licence validity period.
8.	Obtain A Film Exhibition Licence You must apply for this licence to exhibit films that are rated NC16, M18 or R21.	Optional	Generally within 7 working days.	Varies depending on the licence validity period.
9.	Obtain A Copyright Permit (For Ad Hoc Events)  You must apply for this licence to perform or play copyrighted music at arts events. To play copyrighted music at your business premises, you should apply for a Copyright Licence.	Optional	Generally within 2 weeks.	Varies depending on type of licence/permit and business activity.
10.	Obtain A Non-Residential TV Licence You must apply for this licence to operate a television set or any equipment that can receive broadcast signals at your business premises.	Optional	Generally within 5 working days.	S$110 per television set.
11.	Apply For Other Licences/Permits You Need Take stock of the activities you will be carrying out in your business. Some of these (e.g. festival processions, events held in national parks, etc.) require licences/permits.	Optional	Varies depending on the licence/permit.	Varies depending on the licence/permit.