What permits are needed to open an ice cream parlor?

If you're a true ice cream lover, you've probably toyed with the idea of what it would be like to open an ice cream parlor at open. You've probably wondered how difficult it would be to put this idea into practice.

So what permits are needed to open an ice cream parlor? To open an ice cream parlor, you need an entry in the commercial register, a declaration of no objection and a tax number from the tax office. You should know the hygiene regulations and take out all important insurances.

Most people believe that having their own ice cream parlor would be out of the question for them anyway, since they do not have the right professional training and thus no permit to opening a ice cream parlor would receive.

Whether there is any truth in this prejudice and whether you can open an ice cream parlor without major hurdles, such as a completed vocational training as an ice cream/confectioner. ice cream parlor you can open an ice cream parlor, you will find out in the following article.

Legal requirements for opening an ice cream parlor

Basically, it's not particularly complicated to open an ice cream parlor ice cream parlor. However, there are a few guidelines that you should follow in order to open your own ice cream parlor in accordance with the regulations. You must have obtain permits and, of course, a lot of things have to be organized in advance to ensure that your business is successful and endures in the long term.

Important: All information presented here has been compiled for you to the best of our knowledge and belief. However, we cannot give a legal guarantee for any of the information provided here. Please always check with your local contact person in the city administration on site, as many things can also be very different depending on the state or even municipality. Many things are also a matter of interpretation and can be interpreted differently by each responsible head of office - so it may well be (and is not even that rare) that things are approved in municipality A that are rejected in the neighboring municipality, and vice versa. Our tip: If in doubt, involve the authorities as early as possible and ask them for their opinion - because if you propose a procedure yourself, it is difficult to criticize it afterwards.

Business plan

The first thing you should do is create a detailed business plan - on the one hand, so that you can convince investors of your idea. ice cream parlor at open of your idea to open an ice cream parlor. But even more important is that you gain an overview of your investments and your financial planning - and thus recognize whether and under what conditions your idea will pay off.

It also helps you to implement your marketing strategy, identify your target audience and make forecasts for the future.

If you are eligible for a start-up grant, you can submit your business plan together with the required forms.

Our tip: It sounds banal, but many people don't think about the fact that the ice season "only" lasts from March to October - so don't forget to factor in weaker months in the winter in your business planning, and plan for appropriate reserves.

Registration in the Commercial Register

At the beginning you should register in the trade register and apply for a trade license.

Declaration of no objection and tax number

If your business is already registered, you should now take care of a tax clearance. You must apply for this at the tax office.

A tax clearance statement tells you if you file your tax returns regularly and if all tax debts have been paid.

You will also need a tax number, which is best obtained from your tax advisor. We recommend that you consult a tax advisor who is familiar with the catering industry and can help you with all tax issues.

Take care of insurance

Another important item on the list of legal requirements is the topic of insurance.

You should take care of business liability, contents insurance, private health insurance and best of all legal protection if you want to be on the safe side.

Check your contracts

You should also review all contracts you enter into and all permits, you obtain and, if in doubt, present them to a lawyer.

When signing a rental agreement, make sure that no minimum rental period is agreed, so that you can also terminate at short notice if this should become necessary. It is also important to know whether the rental property permits use as a restaurant - if, for example, only retail use is permitted, you can theoretically sell ice cream there anyway, but you are bound by the closing times. That is, you may not open your store after closing time and on economically strong Sundays and holidays.

Our tip: Don't forget to ask about possible outdoor pitches - these often have to be specifically applied for and approved by the municipality. In addition, some municipalities charge fees for outdoor pitches.

You should also make sure that you sign supply agreements with your suppliers.

Hygiene regulation and opening hours

Other important points that you should be informed about are the applicable hygiene regulations as well as regulations regarding the opening hours of your ice cream parlor. These also vary from state to state.

Labelling of additives

In addition, all additives that are used and allergens must be labeled on the menu.

Labels such as "organic," "vegan," or "with alcohol" are not mandatory, but they are still helpful for customers or for advertising purposes.

Restaurant license

If you want to offer food or drinks that contain alcohol in your ice cream parlor, you need a Permit. In almost all German states, you are required to obtain a restaurant license.

So if you want to include amaretto ice cream or sundaes with eggnog in your ice cream lineup, your eligibility must be reviewed by the Department of Ordinances.

On the basis of the police certificate of good conduct, a declaration of no objection by the tax office, an extract from the central business register and a certificate of instruction based on the Infection Protection Act, it will be decided whether you have a liquor license and thus the permission for the use of alcohol.

Smoking bans, youth, work and noise protection

You should not neglect topics such as youth protection, noise protection or smoking bans. Occupational safety and ergonomics at the workplace are also important issues that you should consider in advance.

Compulsory toilet

Depending on the state, you may also be required to provide a restroom for your clientele. The size and number of toilets depend on the area of the restaurant and the range of beverages.

Even if you're not required to provide a customer restroom, which really only happens at an ice cream kiosk, for most people it's now part of good service and shows professionalism.

Application to the building regulations office

If you want to change and remodel your premises or add a roof, you should find out if you need to apply for it first and then have it approved by the building code office.

GEMA and rights of use of music

If you want to play music in the background to create a pleasant ambience, you are obliged to obtain permission from GEMA. permission for the use of the music played.

Background music is an important factor in keeping your clientele happy and getting them to stay longer and thus consume more.

If you don't want to pay the GEMA fees, you can use GEMA-free music as an alternative for the ice cream parlor use. This is now at a very good level and can absolutely keep up with conventional music.

A clear checklist with all to-dos can be found here.

Should you have an education in the hospitality industry?

Although it is a great advantage to have completed an apprenticeship in the field of gastronomy or as an ice cream confectioner, this is not a prerequisite to open an ice cream parlor open to be allowed to open an ice cream parlor.

However, an education and experience in the field of gastronomy offer you some advantages, which will contribute to the success of your ice cream parlor to the success of your ice cream parlor. Especially if you want to make the ice cream yourself, you should already have knowledge in this industry.

But even if you have no experience, this should not discourage you. You should be eager to get started and be aware that running an ice cream parlor means that you will always be working when others have their day off or are enjoying their vacation.

Perseverance, courage, planning and financial security, forward thinking as well as the love of ice cream and pleasure in dealing with customers are good prerequisites for opening an ice cream parlor. ice cream parlor at open.

You can also buy the ice cream instead of making it yourself, saving yourself a lot of time and labor.

However, if you would like to learn more about the production of ice cream specialties in advance and go deep into the subject, you can train to become an ice cream specialist.

Training as a specialist for ice cream

Training as an ice cream confectioner disappeared from the list of apprenticeships a few years ago, but you can still train to become an ice cream specialist.

You do not need to have a high school diploma to start training. It usually takes place in a dual system, so you will already have some work experience after graduation.

During the apprenticeship, many business topics are covered and you learn the professional production of ice cream from scratch.

In addition, you will learn how to operate ice cream machines correctly and what is important when putting together the ingredients.

You will also receive comprehensive instruction in the observance of all hygiene regulations, as proper hygiene is the highest priority, especially in the production of ice cream.

So if you enjoy producing and recreating ice cream flavors, you feel comfortable in the restaurant business, you don't shy away from work, and cleanliness and hygiene are a matter of course for you, then training as an ice cream specialist is just right for you.

It is the optimal preparation on the way to opening your own ice cream parlor, because you will receive comprehensive training and can gain experience in the operation of a ice cream parlor gain.

You can find more information on the topic of ice cream specialist here.

Carpigiani Gelato University ice cream seminars

Alternatively, you can learn the gelato craft at specialized companies, such as Gelato University. In a 4-day basic course, you will learn everything you need to know about the production of ice cream - from handling, cleaning and care of the production equipment to the various ingredients, the correct balancing and the legal labeling requirements.

More information about Gelato University and the next course dates in your area can be found here.