Definition: a bar or a pub is an establishment where drinks are served generally alcoholic beverages, accredited by the ministry of tourism

Barmaid: any woman that works in a bar/pub whether she is Lebanese, Arab, or a foreigner

Owner or investor: has to choose a delegate that would represent him when filing requests at the general security, using a proxy that’s compliant to current regulations. This representative has to have in hand an extract of the commercial register

The director: is designated by the owner to accomplish all the formalities due at the general security.

The assistant manager: is designated by the director, he substitutes the director if the latter is absent

Investment in a bar – required documents:
- A filled out application
- An extract of civil status or a certified copy of the identity card of the investor
- An extract of the owner’s criminal record that’s one month old at the most
- A certified copy of the investment permit delivered by the prefect, or the ministry of labor
- A certified copy of the extract of commercial register, and financial register
- A certified copy of the registration certificate of the enterprise
- A certified copy of the financial statement
- A certified copy of the purchase contract, the rental contract, or the investment contract
- A certified copy of the title deed
- A revenue stamp
- An accommodation certificate delivered by the mayor
 
Constitution and opening of a pub: has to respect many requirements, like getting a previous authorization delivered by the general security – artists division

 Requested documents to designate a director:
- A filled out application
- A certified copy of the owner’s identity card, or an extract of civil status emitted since 3 months at the most, or a valid passport
- A certification that he is a member of the social security system, or an engagement that states he will be a member of the above-mentioned system
- A proxy signed before a notary
- An extract of the owner’s criminal record
-  An accommodation certificate
- A certified copy of the extract of commercial register or that of the financial register
- A revenue stamp
 
Documents required, to terminate a director/ assistant director contract:
- A filled out application
- A certified copy of the owner’s identity card, or an extract of civil status emitted since 3 months at most, or a valid passport
- An agreement of termination signed before the notary
 
The documents requested to recruit a foreign Barmaid:  
- 2 filled out applications (entry visa)
- A work permit previously delivered by the ministry of Labor
- A guarantee commitment
- A certified copy of the owner’s identity card
- A certified copy of the extract of commercial register, as well as the financial register
- A certified copy of a mortgage
- A work contract dated and signed by the owner, and the masseuse
- A certified colored copy of the owner’s passport
- 4 revenue stamps
- A certified copy of the director’s identity card as well as the proxy
 
The arrival of the Barmaid to Lebanon:  She will be greeted by the investor or a representative of the latter: director or assistant director. If the individual in charge of this task is late, or doesn’t show up, the airport has to send a deposition to the general security – artist division informing them of this incident. Regarding the barmaid the decision will be taken by the general director of the general security.

The barmaids that intend to come for touristic purposes:   their entrance requires a previous authorization delivered by the general directorate of the general security, regardless of her age or her nationality.

A barmaid married to a Lebanese citizen:  If her stay outside the country has exceeded one year, the entrance is permitted under current regulations that pertain to her nationality, age and other relevant factors. She must have her marriage certificate in hand, the latter has to conform to current regulations.

Medical exams:   These exams are mandatory from the very first day. Therefore she has to come to the general security the second day to deliver her results, but also to endure some supplementary medical examinations.
The barmaid has to endure these examinations (SIDA, SYPHYLIS, etc.) every time she travels back and forth to Lebanon for work purposes, or after 6 months of her entry at the most.
If the results are not as required, the owner/director is informed to begin her departure procedures (within a window of 72 hours, under the care of the owner). She will not be able to return before a month at least.
If the results are concluding, then the owner has to come to the general security department in charge of this matter, with the barmaid, and the results In hand.

NB: The medical costs are lower if the barmaid is Lebanese

Working contract:  a contract is signed by the barmaid at the general security – artist division every 3 months.

The obligations pertaining to the barmaid during her stay:
1- Respecting the Lebanese current laws and regulations including those pertaining to her situation (for instance not marrying a Lebanese citizen, or working without a work visa …)
2- Respecting the social and cultural norms in effect (no drugs, nor prostitution)
3- She mustn’t have another job
4- She mustn’t be absent without a medical report
5- She must have the general security number
6- She will eventually be permitted a day off per week, if the owner agrees to this
7- They must wear appropriate outfits
 
A temporary stay of 2 months:
The general security – artists' division gives a visa of 2months to barmaids if the results of the medical exams are as required. The following documents have to be provided :
- A filled application
- A certified copy of the passport
- A certified copy of the director’s identity card or the assistant director
- A certified copy of the owner’s identity card
- A certified copy of the commercial register and the financial register
- The receipt of the payment (50 000 L.B.P)
- An ID photo of the barmaid
 
Transfer of the Barmaid:
The barmaid can eventually be transferred to another establishment; she must however sign a new contract, and have the latter in hand, with a certified copy of the new owner’s ID card, and a previous authorization of the general security.
 
The departure of the barmaid:
The owner, director or assistant director has to go to the general security – artists division, to get the required authorization, and if the barmaid wants to eventually come back, she has to deliver her passport, her residency permit and her airplane ticket.
She has to leave in a period of 48 hours, having in hand an attestation signed by the artist’s division director, her passport will be sent through the mail to the concerned point of departure.