Renewals top licence application, says SCC

More business licences were renewed from January 2020 to date after the Government rolled out reforms aimed at easing the way of doing business in Fiji.

The revelation from the Suva City Council pointed out that of the 3805 licences issued since January 1,2020, only a fraction were new business licences.

SCC chairman Isikeli Tikoduadua said 207 new business licences were issued to date, all of which were exempted from paying licence fees.

A staggering 3500-plus licence holders applied for licence renewal.

Previously, renewal of licences took seven days to three weeks to process, Mr Tikoduadua said.

“Suva City Ciouncil charges $21.80 as processing fee.

“Business licence fee for new and renewed licences depend on the nature of the business involved.”

The Government had earlier announced exemptions on licencing fees, effective from January 1.

Exemptions

Mr Tikoduadua said only 61 applications were high risk.

High risk businesses were linked to the sale of alcohol and add some more info.

SCC is the licence issuing authority. Ministry of Trade and Investment which is the regulating body behind such reforms, had earlier highlighted extensive measures it put in place through digital platforms to encourage and enable an easeir alternative to starting a businesses in Fiji. Businesses exmpted from paying licensing fees included retail outlets, restaurants, beauty parlor, consultancy company and administrative offices.

Under the previous scheme, such businesses paid fees which ranged between $218 and $327.

Checks and balance

Mr Tikoduadua said spot checks will be carried out on business facilities, following the scrapping of annual certification processes.

He encouraged whistle-blowers in a bid to keep business operators in line with the new reforms.

Mr Tikoduadua said emphasis was placed on encouraging home based businesses to thrive.

“There is a demand shown including technology for people opting for home based business.”

“We noted that the city scape is changing and people are becoming smarter in operating business.

“Technology is improving connectivity and buisiness environment is becoming localised leading to new types of busines environment set ups.”