Light Refreshment Restaurant License
Commonly referred to as a “small license,” this license allows operators to provide dine-in services. Previously, this license limited food types to those listed under the “List of Approved Food Items for Light Refreshment Restaurants” However, since March 2023, the FEHD has relaxed these restrictions, regulating only the cooking methods instead of food types.
Essentially, any type of food can be served as long as simpler cooking methods are used (e.g., boiling, simmering, steaming, braising, and shallow frying) and there is no significant grease or fumes generated.
Suitable Businesses
Dessert shops, wonton noodle shops, porridge shops, coffee shops, etc.
Premises Specifications Requirements
- It is recommended to select premises with a usable floor area of no less than 20 square meters.
- The area for food preparation, kitchen, and dishwashing facilities should account for 9-20% of the total floor area, with a minimum of 4.5 square meters.
- Washrooms must be provided, and the number of hygiene facilities depends on the seating capacity and the number of employees.
Special Restrictions
Due to the limitations on cooking methods, the following equipment is not permitted in small food establishments: ovens, BBQ grills, griddles, etc.
Building Restrictions
From a fire safety perspective, the following buildings are not suitable for obtaining restaurant licenses:
- Premises located on the fourth basement level or below.
- Premises located directly below a registered school/kindergarten or posing fire hazards to these establishments.
License Fees
- For establishments of 100 square meters or less, the annual fee is HKD$1,810.
- For establishments between 100 and 250 square meters, the annual fee ranges from HKD$2,270 to HKD$4,070.
- For establishments over 250 square meters, the annual fee ranges from HKD$4,960 to HKD$90,050.
Q&A
Since March 2023, the FEHD has relaxed restrictions on light refreshment restaurant licenses. Applicants can now sell almost any type of food, with the main limitation being the cooking methods mentioned above. Certain specific food items, such as dairy products, ice cream, and baked goods, still require additional licenses.
Since March 2023, the government has implemented a “license first, inspection later” professional certification system for light refreshment restaurant license and food factory license. The FEHD accepts certification by registered professionals or structural engineers as proof that the premises meet hygiene standards. This measure simplifies the application process, shortens the approval time by about two-thirds, and allows businesses to start operations sooner.
APPLICATION PROCESS
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