Hong Kong general restaurant licence requirements and application process

Hong Kong General Restaurant Licence Requirements and Application

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) administers the hong kong general restaurant licence requirements and application under the Food Business Regulation (Cap. 132X). This licence authorises a restaurant where customers consume food on the premises. It is distinct from a light refreshment restaurant licence, which permits a narrower menu and simpler operations. Securing the licence involves multiple government departments. Before the licence is granted, you must obtain building plan approval, fire services certification and pass an on-site inspection.

What the General Restaurant Licence Covers

A general restaurant licence permits the sale of a full range of food and drink for consumption on the premises. The FEHD issues this licence to premises meeting specific hygiene, structural and fire safety standards. The licence is tied to the premises, not the operator, so you must transfer it if the business changes hands. The FEHD sets the licence fee, which is payable annually.

This licence does not authorise the sale of liquor. For that, you need a separate liquor licence from the Liquor Licensing Board. It also does not cover food manufacturing for off-site sale, which requires a food factory licence.

Hong Kong Restaurant Licence Application: Step by Step

A hong kong restaurant licence application starts with submitting a completed application form to the FEHD. You must provide a copy of the Business Registration Certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department, a detailed floor plan of the premises showing the kitchen, dining area, washrooms and storage, and a ventilation plan approved by a registered professional engineer. You also need a fire services certificate issued by the Fire Services Department, a building plan approved by the Buildings Department, and a certificate of compliance from the Water Supplies Department if the premises uses a private water supply.

The FEHD reviews your submission and may request more documents. Once your paperwork is in order, the department schedules an on-site inspection.

Hong Kong FEHD Restaurant Licence: The Inspection

The hong kong fehd restaurant licence inspection is critical. An FEHD officer visits the premises to verify that the layout, equipment and hygiene practices meet the requirements of Cap. 132X. The officer checks kitchen ventilation and exhaust systems, refrigeration and food storage temperatures, handwashing facilities and drainage, toilet facilities for staff and customers, pest control measures and waste disposal arrangements.

The inspection also covers seating capacity. The FEHD sets a maximum capacity based on floor area and layout. Your licence will state this capacity. Do not exceed it.

If the inspection finds deficiencies, the FEHD issues a list of required corrections. Complete them and arrange a re-inspection. This process can take several months, especially if structural changes are needed.

Hong Kong Food Business Licence Requirements: Documents and Plans

The hong kong food business licence requirements include several documents you must prepare before submitting the application. The building plan and the fire services certificate are the most important.

The building plan must show the existing structure and any proposed alterations. The Buildings Department must approve this plan before the FEHD will process your licence application. If the premises is in a commercial building, the landlord may need to provide a letter of no objection.

The Fire Services Department issues the fire services certificate after inspecting the fire alarm system, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers and escape routes. This certificate must be valid at the time of the FEHD inspection.

A registered professional engineer must prepare the ventilation plan. It must demonstrate that the kitchen exhaust system meets the Environmental Protection Department's standards for air pollution control.

Hong Kong General Restaurant Permit: Duration and Renewal

A hong kong general restaurant permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. You pay the licence fee annually. The FEHD sends a renewal notice before the expiry date. Renew the licence before it expires, or you must cease trading.

The FEHD may revoke or suspend a licence if the premises fails to maintain hygiene standards or if the operator breaches the licence conditions. The operator can appeal a revocation to the Municipal Services Appeals Board.

Difference From a Light Refreshment Restaurant Licence

The general restaurant licence is broader than a light refreshment restaurant licence. A light refreshment licence permits only a limited menu, typically cold dishes, drinks and pre-packaged food. It does not allow cooking on the premises. A general restaurant licence permits full cooking, including the use of gas hobs, ovens and deep fryers.

Choose between the licences based on your menu and kitchen equipment. If you plan to serve hot meals prepared on site, you need the general restaurant licence. If the menu is limited to cold food and drinks, the light refreshment licence may be sufficient.

Adding a Liquor Licence

A general restaurant licence does not include the right to sell liquor. To sell beer, wine, spirits or other alcoholic drinks for consumption on the premises, you must apply for a liquor licence from the Liquor Licensing Board.

This application is separate from the FEHD process. The Liquor Licensing Board considers the suitability of the premises, the character of the applicant and the views of the Police and the FEHD. The board may impose conditions, such as trading hours.

You can apply for the liquor licence at the same time as the general restaurant licence, or add it later. The FEHD inspection must be completed before the Liquor Licensing Board will process the liquor licence application.

Food Handler Training and Hygiene Requirements

All food handlers in a licensed restaurant must complete food handler training. The FEHD recognises courses provided by approved organisations. Keep records of the training certificates for inspection.

Hygiene requirements under Cap. 132X include clean and sanitary premises, proper food storage at correct temperatures, separation of raw and cooked food, adequate handwashing facilities for staff, pest control measures and waste disposal in sealed containers.

The FEHD conducts routine inspections. If an inspector finds a breach of hygiene requirements, the FEHD may issue a warning, suspend the licence or prosecute the operator.

Trading Hours

The general restaurant licence does not specify trading hours. You may set opening hours as the business requires. However, if the premises is in a residential building or a mixed-use area, the lease or building management may impose restrictions on trading hours.

If you hold a liquor licence, the Liquor Licensing Board may impose conditions on the hours during which liquor can be sold. The board restricts liquor sales to between 11:00 am and 11:00 pm. The exact hours depend on the location and the board's assessment.

Premises Layout and Seating Capacity

Your premises layout must comply with building regulations and FEHD requirements. The kitchen must be separate from the dining area. Washrooms must be accessible to customers and staff. Seating capacity is calculated based on the floor area of the dining area, excluding the kitchen, storage and washrooms.

The FEHD may require you to post a notice showing the maximum seating capacity. Do not exceed this capacity. To increase it, submit a new application. The premises may need a further inspection.

Licence Fee

The FEHD sets the licence fee for a general restaurant licence, which is payable annually. The fee is not refundable if the application is refused. The Liquor Licensing Board sets the fee for a liquor licence, which is also payable annually.

Fees are subject to change. Check the current fee schedule on the FEHD website before submitting your application.

Summary of Key Steps

The entire process from application to licence issue takes several months. Allow sufficient time for approvals and inspections. Engaging a consultant who specialises in FEHD licence applications can help to avoid delays.