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General Restaurant Licence



General Restaurant Licence


A General Restaurant Licence is required by most restaurant operators in Hong Kong before they can open their doors to the public. It is issued by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) to ensure that restaurants meet certain hygiene and safety standards.


Here's a summary of the General Restaurant Licence in Hong Kong:


  • Issued by: Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD)

  • Required for: Most restaurants selling food and drinks

  • Application process: Involves submitting an application form (FEHB 94) along with other required documents to the FEHD

  • More information: A Guide to Application for Restaurant Licences


In addition to the General Restaurant Licence, you may also need to apply for other licences depending on your specific business operations. For example, if you plan to sell liquor on the premises, you will need a liquor licence.


A Guide to Application for Restaurant Licences


Here's a breakdown of acquiring a General Restaurant License in Hong Kong as outlined by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD):


Choosing Suitable Premises:


  • Ensure your venue complies with the Occupation Permit, government lease conditions, and relevant statutory plans.

  • Verify if there are unauthorized building works affecting suitability using approved building plans from the Buildings Department.

  • Select a floor with adequate weight capacity.

  • The premises must have:

  • Mains water supply

  • Flushed toilets

  • Proper drainage system

  • Independent ventilation systems for the kitchen, toilets, and seating area


Preparing the Application:


  • Obtain application form FEHB 94 from the FEHD.

  • Prepare three copies of scaled metric layout plans (1:100 minimum) showcasing the layout of:

  • Kitchen

  • Preparation area

  • Refreshment area

  • Toilets

  • Stores

  • Ensure the layout plan meets FEHD's minimum statutory requirements.

  • Acquire certified true copies of:

  • Business Registration Certificate

  • Certificate of Incorporation

  • Articles of Association for your company

  • Notice of Situation of Registered Office

  • Recent annual returns of your company


Submitting the Application:


  • Present the completed application form FEHB 94 along with all required documents to the FEHD Licensing Office.


Additional Tips:


  • Consider consulting the FEHD's "A Guide to Application for Restaurant Licences" for a more comprehensive understanding of the process.

  • If you intend to serve liquor, you'll need a separate Liquor License from the Liquor Licensing Board after obtaining the General Restaurant License.


How Bestar can Help


Bestar provides a variety of business services that could be helpful during the General Restaurant Licence application process in Hong Kong. Here are some possibilities:


  • Business Registration and Compliance: Bestar helps you ensure your business is properly registered and complies with relevant regulations, which could be a prerequisite for obtaining the license.

  • Document Preparation: The application process involves submitting various documents. Bestar assists in gathering and preparing these documents, such as the Business Registration Certificate or annual returns.

  • Liaison with Government Agencies: There might be instances where communication with the FEHD is required. Bestar, being familiar with the process, might be able to facilitate this communication.


However, it's important to note that applying for a General Restaurant Licence appears to be a straightforward process that can be done directly with the FEHD. Obtaining a liquor license, however, might involve more complex procedures where Bestar's expertise could be more beneficial.


For the most accurate information on how Bestar can help, contact us. We can provide details on our specific services and fees related to General Restaurant Licences.




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