Sleeping on Company Premises

[andy33gmail]

I'm considering setting up a youth club / leisure centre, with an experienced businessman (that I presently work for part-time) after I leave uni.

The site will be zoned as leisure (it's awaiting a planning application...). Both of us will have ploughed nearly all of our capital into the business. Initially, of course, I'll have no income - not until there's a stream of users established, generating revenue. At the same time, we're both to need to man the centre between us - 1 of us for 8 hours, both for another 8 hours; otherwise we'd need to employ someone.

Would it be legal to use a room of the centre to sleep in? The site is massive we could logistically spare a small room each. Additionally, it already has showers and a small kitchen - which are both going to be used primarily for the business. So, clearly, the primary use of the site will be leisure, rather than our residence. We could also consider ourselves to be working at night as watchmen for security.

 

[paulmedia]

I think you can do that, as long as your paying the rent. But to make sure just ask the owner of the place. Make it legal

 

[andy33gmail]

We (rather, the company) would own the site. Just seemed dodgy if it wasn't in a residential zone

 

[Bri]

you will have to comply with current Fire Regs for sleeping accomodation, i'e install smoke detection with audible devices minimum.

 

[Zeno]

Long story short - if there will be children involved (even if they are not there when you are off duty which I assume to be the case) I would say this is not an option.

 

[oldeagleeye]

Night watchmen or security are NOT supoosed to sleep - however I think most of us have crashed down in the office after working late at night. Stop thinking bedroom then - start thinking office.

Mine had a desk of course - a rather trendy futon. Recliner chair & TV - fridge ( full of wine and goodies) Mini Cooker and of course shower & toilet.

Now some might call that a nice little pad and I must admit that during my divorce I did entertain a few ladies there. On the door outside however it had a plaque which said 'OFFICE'.

Get the idea but make sure it has a smoke alarm etc.

 

[UK Business Network]

Long story short - if there will be children involved (even if they are not there when you are off duty which I assume to be the case) I would say this is not an option.

I would take this matter very seriously! Look into this, I have a 15 year old step daughter, and would not feel confortable with her going to a leisure centre where the owners sleep over, this is not a mark on you, but this is the thing that you should look into, and not on a forum, but with your local council etc.

 

[Zeno]

I would take this matter very seriously! Look into this, I have a 15 year old step daughter, and would not feel confortable with her going to a leisure centre where the owners sleep over, this is not a mark on you, but this is the thing that you should look into, and not on a forum, but with your local council etc.

My point exactly. While your plan may be entirely innocent (and practical) you have to consider how it will look.

All it takes is one kid coming home from the club and telling his parents that you sleep there and suddenly you signing a register on a weekly basis.