Odpovedny zastupce
Each zivnostensky list has an odpovedny zastupce.
(a responsible person).
Normally the person owning the zivnostensky list is the responsible person. The term indicates responsibility and applies to "ordinary business operations" and should be regarded in a positive sense of obligation.
An odpovedny zastupce does not need to be Czech or speak Czech. But it helps!
(for instance, if you have business premises, such as a shop, it is a requirement to have a Czech speaker on the premises in case of problems, or inspection by the authorities).
Another interpretation of odpovedny zastupce, is where the person opening a business does not meet all the specific requirements for the operation of certain trades (such as qualifications), the Trade Act allows a business to operate through someone other than the zivnostensky list holder, such as an odpovedny zastupce.
In such a case, the responsible person, designated by the entrepreneur, can be responsible for the operation of day to day business and compliance with relevant laws. In general, the rights and obligations of the odpovedny zastupce depend not only on the nature of specific trades, but also on the type of business concerned, as well as taking into consideration the organization of work, workers qualifications, etc. Specific obligations can also be dependent on the specific legal relationships that exists between an entrepreneur and the responsible person.
In reality, business is not easily characterized and the relevant trade offices take businesses on a case by case situation.
Also, when an odpovedny zastupce is in breach of business obligations it does not usually result in a penalty for the responsible person but usually the business, or the person who holds the trade license.
So, at the end of the day, you are responsible for your business.