The Business Licence Act [CAP 249] establishes the legal framework for licensing businesses in Vanuatu, consolidating amendments up to 2006. It defines “business” broadly as any lawful gainful activity aside from employment and makes operating without a licence an offence unless exempted. Licensing authorities include the Minister, local councils, and the Director, with delegation powers, and foreign investors require approval from the Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority, excluding activities on the statutory negative list or reserved occupations. The Act sets procedures for licence application, issuance, renewal, transfer, and display, distinguishes strategic sectors requiring direct ministerial approval, and provides time limits for decisions and appeals, including a two-tier appeal system. Fees are prescribed by business class, turnover, and non-citizen involvement, with provisions for instalments, surcharges, pro-rata payments, and fee reductions for hardship, and revenue is allocated between local councils and the Public Fund. The Act regulates the number of licences per premises and business, adjusts for scale changes, and empowers inspections and enforcement, including offences for unlicensed operation, false statements, obstruction, and non-payment.