Information about the Agency for Business Development Services

The Agency for Business Development Services in the City of Oslo is responsible for processing applications for licences pursuant to the Food Services Act and the Alcohol Act, and licences pursuant to the Act relating to films and videograms in Oslo. The Agency also provides information and advice to users about issues related to this legislation.

The Agency for Business Development Services calculates and collects the licensing fee pursuant to the Alcohol Act. These fees cover the costs of processing applications and inspections.

The Agency performs extensive inspections to ensure compliance with the legislation and guidelines for the sale and serving of alcoholic beverages in the City of Oslo. Failure to comply with the regulations is treated with sanctions.

The Agency for Business Development Services also administers the Hospitality Certificate in Oslo. The objective of this scheme is to indicate to the public that an establishment is committed to operating in accordance with the applicable legislation and regulations. The Hospitality Certificate is a reward for good management and operation and also provides a guide for inhabitants and visitors.

The Agency for Business Development Services provides coordinated information and advice to companies and entrepreneurs in all industries in Oslo. The Service has a separate advisory division for setting up businesses: The Business Development Division. We also provide start-up help for companies in English language, including
a free introductory course in how to set up a business in Norway. You can also download our brochures in English on how to start a company in Norway.

Four divisions
The Agency for Business Development Services was founded on 1 September 1997 by a decision of the City Council on 6 June 1997, as a merger of the former Restaurant and Licensing Office and the Oslo Municipal Secretariat for Business and Industry. The Agency is organised under the Municipal Department of Finance and Business.  

The Agency has a director as its top manager and includes the following four divisions:

• The Licensing Division
• The Inspection Division
• The Business Development Division
• Administration

Number of employees
The Agency for Business Development Services in Oslo has 47 employees. The Agency also has an inspection team of 65 people to inspect establishments licensed to serve food and alcoholic beverages and retail outlets that sell beer.

Organization number
979 594 887