look at some examples of Czech groceries protected under EU quality schemes. Hops from Žatec (a key ingredient in beer) are protected under Protected Designation of Origin scheme. South Bohemian Niva (a blue cheese similar to Roquefort) or Czech beer in general are among products protected under Protected Geographical Indication scheme. Prague ham is listed as a Traditional Speciality Guaranteed. As for the Czech national quality schemes, there are three: “KLASA”, “Regional grocery” and “Czech grocery”. The first two schemes are not regulated by the law, they are governed by guidelines set by the Ministry of Agriculture. Czech products can be granted the KLASA label if they are registered and approved by the Ministry of Agriculture if they meet quality requirements62. Regional grocery is, simply put, an award for the best products. There is one winner in each of nine categories per region every year. Winning products may use the Regional Grocery label for four years63. Groceries can carry the “Czech grocery” label if they meet requirements stated in the Groceries Act. Simply put, they must be produced from at least 75 % of Czech ingredients. This applies if they are processed, if not, it is 100 %, and they must be produced in the Czech Republic 64. Summary Opening and operating a restaurant in the Czech Republic can be quite challenging. Business premises must be officially classified for restaurant use. If this is not the case, the respective Construction Office must carry out an inspection, and binding opinions will be required from several other authorities. Restaurant owners must also obtain the correct trade licence for restaurant activities; a separate trade licence is needed to retail alcohol. Because a restaurant obviously needs staff, the business must comply with Czech employment law, which places strict obligations on employers. Employee protection is in line with standards in other EU Member States. Health and food safety law is complex. Before opening, the restaurant must notify the competent Public Health Office. Numerous national statutes and EU regulations govern these areas. 62 https://szif.gov.cz/cs/klasa 63 https://regionalnipotravina.gov.cz/file/metodika-pro-udelovani-znacky-rp.pdf 64 Sec. 9b par. 1 Act no. 110/1997, Groceries and Tobacco Product Act. 654 KLÁRA DVOŘÁKOVÁ | JOHAN REMEŠ
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