The gastronomy industry in Hong Kong is thriving at a quick rate. High cultural diversity and creative culinary techniques have transformed this city to accommodate thousands of food-serving houses, from street sellers to Michelin-star restaurants. But behind this success story is the tough requirement of licensing regulation for opening a restaurant in the city. Obtaining the correct license is crucial for successfully entering the gastronomy industry in Hong Kong. Therefore, the right licenses are essential so that you can start very nicely and continue to comply with the regulations in the gastronomy industry of Hong Kong.

An entrant in this market should understand restaurant licensing to meet the needs of health, safety, and import requirements. That is why gastronomy businesses need to understand the licensing requirements in Hong Kong. This guide would cover the licenses needed to open a restaurant business in Hong Kong. You can get a detailed description of the application processes, the kinds of licenses, liquor license requirements in Hong Kong and other necessary permits needed to establish a Hong Kong gastronomy business.

Location/Premises Requirements

Finding the right location for your restaurant because Hong Kong is densely populated and very active. Restaurant premises must adhere to several compliance requirements stipulated by local authorities for the health and safety of food preparation. The local authorities issue the requirements for a restaurant license in Hong Kong. Restaurant license renewal in Hong Kong is also important to operating a gastronomy business.

For approval, your restaurant’s premises must meet specific regulatory guidelines issued by the authorities.

• Health Requirements – The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) issues health requirements related to hygiene, waste management, and general cleanliness. FEHD will inspect the kitchen’s cleanliness, waste disposal, and food handling in general. 
• Building Safety Requirements – The Buildings Department enforces requirements that ensure the structural safety of the building. Buildings must comply with ventilation, drainage, sewage, and water supply requirements. Zoning regulations also apply, that is, what business is allowed to be carried out in a particular place.
• Fire Safety Requirements – Fire safety is also included in the priority list of restaurants. The Fire Services Department checks fire exits, fire alarms, sprinkler systems, fire aid training, regular fire drills, and access to extinguishing equipment.

General Restaurant License in Hong Kong 

Getting a General Restaurant License is a condition precedent for operating any restaurant in Hong Kong since it is the highest license needed. The General Restaurant License is the principal license by which a restaurant should operate in Hong Kong. The cost of a restaurant license in Hong Kong starts at around HKD 3,620. Costs can increase based on the size and services offered by the restaurant. The license offered by FEHD encompasses the majority of dining places offering food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Categories of Liquor Licenses

In restaurants, there is an extra license called a liquor license besides a general restaurant license, which has to be taken. A food and beverage business license application in Hong Kong is a must for businesses involved in the sale and storage of liquor. The categories of licenses for selling liquor in Hong Kong are as follows:

• Full Liquor License – Any type of alcoholic beverage can be sold under a full liquor license, commonly on premises that offer any type of alcoholic drink.
• Beer and Wine License – This license will only cover the sale of beer and wine. Its requirements are less compared to a full liquor license.

Application Process and Requirements

This part is useful for the audience planning on how to get a restaurant license in Hong Kong. The steps for a restaurant alcohol license application in Hong Kong are as follows:

• Application Form – You must fill out and submit a General Restaurant License Application form to the FEHD along with the necessary documents.
• Layout Plans – Detailed layout plans of the premises are required to ensure space and equipment requirements.
• Certificates Required – General requirements for issuing a General Restaurant License consist of the record of ownership, a certified copy of the Board Resolution, a Certificate of Incorporation and a Business Registration Certificate. Apart from that, a Certificate of Compliance may be required from the Buildings Department and fire safety clearance from the Fire Services Department.

Hong Kong gastronomy businesses are bound to follow the regulations and restrictions in Hong Kong. They must maintain food safety standards, public health standards, and environmental standards to be safe from punishment. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), the Buildings Department, and the Fire Services Department conduct regular inspections of gastronomy businesses. This ensures that the restaurants are complying with the rules and regulations issued by the authorities. The types of inspections conducted by the authorities are routine inspections, spot checks, annual inspections, license renewal inspections, and event-specific inspections.

Other Gastronomy Licenses

Hong Kong offers a variety of restaurant licenses beyond the General Restaurant License. These specialized licenses allow businesses to serve specific cuisines or handle imported food products:

• Food Factory License – The FEHD is managing Food Factory License application in Hong Kong. Businesses that are processing and packaging food items on a large scale need to have a food factory license. The Food Factory license applies to food production facilities and catering businesses. The food factory license applies to food production licenses, catering businesses, restaurants, and grocery stores.
• Bakery License – If you are going to run a bakery or bake goods for sale in the retail market, you will need a bakery license. This license allows businesses to bake and sell bread, cakes, and pastries directly to consumers. Inspectors check bakeries for adherence to health, hygiene, and equipment standards.
• Import License – Importing food products into Hong Kong involves the issuing of an import license. Restaurants that have ingredients or goods imported from abroad need to have an Import License for food in Hong Kong. Importing regulations ensure food products meet the health and safety standards of Hong Kong and minimize the risk of contamination while maintaining quality.

Other Licenses and Permits

Besides the restaurant license, other requirements may vary depending on services and some settings of eating places.

• Karaoke Establishment Permit – If you have karaoke facilities at your restaurant, a Karaoke Establishment Permit is applicable. Karaoke establishment permit applications in Hong Kong are covered by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. These cover the operational requirements and safety standards for Karaoke destinations. Areas designated for karaoke need to meet soundproofing standards and criteria for venues that are safe and accessible.
• Street Food Vendor Permit – A Street Food Vendor Permit need to operate a street food cart or kiosk within the streets of Hong Kong. Street food permits in demand as part of Hong Kong’s lively food culture and, in general, are usually limited to certain areas. FEHD regulations govern street vendors’ hygiene and waste disposal practices.
• Catering Permit – If your restaurant offers catering outside the premises, it is required to have a catering permit. This license guarantees that your catering activities are safe regarding food preparation and handling practices when food is served off the premises.
• Temporary Food Event Permit – In cases where you will attend food festivals, exhibitions, and events, you would be required to have a Temporary Food Event Permit. A temporary food event permit will enable restaurants to operate at special events. Restaurants must also comply with the health and safety rules of the FEHD to be allowed at such events.

Need Expert Assistance in Forming Your Gastronomy Business? 

Obtaining the necessary licenses is important for running a gastronomy business in Hong Kong. Obtaining a General Restaurant License is essential to establishing a gastronomy business in Hong Kong. Other licenses and permits are important for restaurants offering unique services such as karaoke, food carts, catering, etc. If you also asked the question, “What licenses do I need to open a restaurant in Hong Kong?”. We hope the article above provided you with detailed information about the necessary licenses for various restaurants and their services. 

If you plan to set up a business in Hong Kong, then you should contact Startupr. We assist with company incorporation in Hong Kong and offer many services. With Startupr, you can concentrate more on what matters most to build a successful, sustainable business that thrives in this dynamic market of Hong Kong. We ensure all the necessary licenses, permits, business registration, virtual office services, Hong Kong office address, bookkeeping and accounting, annual return filing, mail forwarding, and others that your company needs meets all the standards required for the local community at hand.