The Secretariat for Entrepreneurship and Investments did not give the green light for a well-known fast food restaurant chain to operate in the building where the head of state lives. Jakov Milatovic with the family, citing, according to representatives of the company "Kan Montenegro", a non-existent criterion - the consent of the assembly of condominium owners on the implementation of internal ventilation and removal of unpleasant odors.
The second reason why the Podgorica Secretariat does not agree with the opening of this restaurant chain is "the traffic that is very congested in this part of the city."
Because of this, the company "Kan Montenegro" complained to the Chief City Administrator, and they announced that they would continue to "take all necessary legal measures."
In the explanation of the decision, which "Vijesti" has access to, the Secretariat states that the consent for the internal ventilation and removal of unpleasant odors "does not exist in the case files" submitted to them by the company "Kan Montenegro".
However, in their decision, they do not specify the state or local act that provides for such an obligation. They did not respond to "Vijesti" about this either.
"Based on the safety assessment of the competent state authority, it was determined that traffic in this part of the city is very congested, and the opening of another 'fast food' facility would make the situation on this road even more congested. Given the established factual situation, it is concluded that the conditions for issuing a permit to carry out catering activities have not been met, which is why this request had to be rejected," the document signed by the acting (acting) secretary of the Secretariat states. Daniela Radeč.
A well-known fast food restaurant chain was supposed to come to Podgorica - at Bulevar Revolucije 52, but some residents of the building protested, believing that their neighborhood was not suitable for that type of business. The Milatović family is also a resident of that building.
They also contacted the Inspection Administration (UIP), stating that the shop's canopy did not have a permit. After conducting an inspection, the UIP determined this, and the controversial canopy was removed within a few days.
Owner of the space where a fast food restaurant is planned Dusan Blecic He told "Vijesti" that he believes that "this is an obstruction by several tenants of the building, as well as the Secretariat for Entrepreneurship and Investments." He also points out that he complained about the decision made yesterday to the chief city administrator.
The decision of the Secretariat for Entrepreneurship and Investments also states that, on behalf of the condominium owners, the entrance manager also addressed them, claiming that the tenants were concerned "about the activities planned in the aforementioned facility."
"It states that the building is of an older construction date, with limited technical capacities, especially in terms of ventilation and odor removal systems. They believe that the operation of such a catering facility would jeopardize the quality of housing due to the spread of unpleasant odors, increased noise, and especially due to the increased risk of fire, which was already the case in the previous period," the document states.
It is also stated that extensive documentation was submitted, which, among other things, includes a statement on the compliance of the constructed cooling chambers with technical regulations and standards, a technical report on the work performed, and testing of the electrical installation.
"As well as an extract from the Central Register of Business Entities of the Tax Administration, a lease agreement for business premises, an employment contract for an employee who will perform the duties of the general manager of the restaurant, a copy of the diploma for the same on the completion of the IV level of secondary education required for the specified position, a completed form for registration in the Central Tourist Register. The decision of the Food Safety, Veterinary and Phytosanitary Affairs Administration dated 7.11.2025. has also been submitted, a report on the adaptation works to the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property, as well as an adaptation project, replacement of worn-out ventilation."
Blečić told "Vijesti" that it is very "problematic that, contrary to the law, an illegal criterion has been introduced":
"Consent of the Assembly of Condominium Owners on the implemented internal ventilation and removal of unpleasant odors, which is not provided for by any regulation in Montenegro."
He is of the opinion that the Secretariat's decision is not based on legal evidence "but rather on a letter from the building manager and allegations from third parties."
"The allegations of the first-instance authority about possible noise, unpleasant odors, and increased fire risk are not supported by any measurements, findings, or decisions of the competent authority. Such allegations may be subject to inspection supervision in the work, but not grounds for denying rights in advance," said Blečić.
According to him, such actions cause great harm "both to the party itself and to the public interest."
"Our investment is measured in hundreds of thousands of euros - in order to obtain a permit to operate, the business premises must be structurally and technically ready with installed equipment and devices. Dozens of young people who were at the Labor Bureau are employed, and who, if this procedure remains in force, will lose their jobs, and the state will lose income from taxes and contributions. It also sends a bad image to investors who want to invest in Montenegro, because regardless of the fact that it is an internationally recognized and reputable franchise that operates according to international standards, has an undisputed reputation and applies strict rules in order to protect the health and safety of its employees and citizens, it is not welcome in Montenegro. The general conclusion is that the procedure carried out at our request was only 'pro forme', because the examination procedure was not actually carried out, but the decision was made in advance," said Blečić.
Will tenant assemblies decide on restaurants and cafes?
The parliamentary club Movement for Podgorica (PzPG) has proposed amendments to the Decision on House Rules in Residential Buildings, so that owners of catering facilities will have to obtain a permit from the Tenants' Assembly to carry out their activities.
The councilors will decide on this proposal at the session of the Capital City Assembly scheduled for December 23rd.
Head of the PzPG club Miloš Krstović He previously said that the proposal was created as a "direct response to a large number of initiatives and complaints from citizens that they have received in the past period."
"Citizens have clearly pointed out the increasing problems of noise in the evening and night hours, impaired hygiene, increased risk of fire and other negative consequences of the operation of certain catering facilities on the ground floors of residential buildings. Therefore, we considered it necessary to react and propose measures that will specifically and quickly improve the quality of life in urban areas," Krstović emphasized.
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