Accessibility for Business License

Any business subject to the Business Licensing Order must comply with a strict set of regulations, ranging from planning and construction laws to the specific demands of various regulatory bodies. Among these vital requirements is compliance with the Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities Law (1998). This accessibility law applies to all businesses providing public service, regardless of their size. Its primary goal is to promote human dignity, ensure liberty, and eliminate social discrimination—making it a fundamental prerequisite for obtaining your business license.

How Does the Accessibility Law Affect Your Business?

Since late 2013, every public-serving business has been required to implement specific accessibility adjustments. The implementation process is typically overseen by the business owner alongside a certified accessibility consultant, and is strictly supervised by the local municipal authorities.

While requirements often vary based on the building's age (with structures built after August 2009 classified as "new"), the documentation must be submitted on designated forms and inspected by a municipal accessibility supervisor.

Exemptions for Small Businesses: In certain cases, a business owner (or a certified professional on their behalf) may independently verify compliance and submit the required report to the authorities without a dedicated accessibility consultant. This exception applies only if the total business area does not exceed 100 sqm, and the seating area is limited to 25 sqm (in a new building) or 50 sqm (in an existing building).

*This is a highly significant aspect recently introduced as an additional condition for business licensing eligibility from the local authority.

Key Physical and Service Accessibility Regulations

Compliance is evaluated based on both physical access to the premises and the accessibility of the services provided. For small businesses, the core guidelines include:

• Accessible Approach and Entrance: The entryway must be entirely free of obstacles (such as trash cans, display stands, or boxes). A clear maneuvering space of 150x150 cm (or 170x130 cm) is required. The floor surface in this area must be rigid, flat, and free of bumps or deep crevices.
• Doorways and Thresholds: The entrance door must not require excessive physical force to open, and the clear width of the doorway must be at least 90 cm. The height difference (threshold) between the exterior sidewalk and the store's interior floor must not exceed 2 cm.
• Service Counters: The pathway leading to the service counter must be clear and at least 90 cm wide. A section of the service counter must be lowered to a height of approximately 90 cm (and strictly under 110 cm) with a clear length of at least 90 cm to properly serve individuals using wheelchairs.
• Visual Warnings, Signage, and Lighting: Glass doors and vitrines must feature two warning stickers in contrasting colors (light and dark) placed at eye level to prevent collisions. Business signage must be highly legible from the service counter using large, clear fonts. Furthermore, the premises must be adequately illuminated.