SEVERAL businesses in the Northern Division have been operating without a licence, with owners unaware they are breaking the law, said Senior Health Inspector Asena Nasaroa.
Ms Nasaroa said these businesses claimed they were unaware of their illegal status.
“Some of these business owners saw others start up and assumed they could do the same without going through the formal processes,” she said.
Addressing participants at a food safety training session, Ms Nasaroa said some larger businesses could be deliberately avoiding the law while most unregistered businesses in rural areas simply lacked awareness on the processes involved.
“In our rural communities, we create awareness first and we give them time to comply,” she said.
The growing economic activity in Vanua Levu, she said, has prompted people to seek business opportunities, often without understanding the legal procedures involved.
“Many of them had come forward after attending community awareness programs.”
She said one of the main challenges for businesses was the registration process itself.
“Some applicants lack the necessary information or apply under the wrong licence categories.
“Others do not have identification cards or face internet issues that prevent them from registering online.
“We do assist those applicants or we refer them back to the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registry for further assistance.
“If people have issues with online registration, officers are available to help them.”
Ms Nasaroa added that businesses found operating without a licence could face legal consequences.
