A person cannot start a food business without obtaining the FSSAI License. Similarly, for running the food business (such as restaurants, hotels, clubs, dhabas, or any other eating place) in India, it is mandatory to obtain the Eating House License other than FSSAI License.
Delhi Police enacted an act as per which it is compulsory for a shop/ restaurant/ Dhaba/ club, etc. to obtain an 'Eating House License'. The Food business operator (Applicant) can apply for the license under the City/State Police Headquarters and the Police Commissioner. The Monitoring authority issues the license to the operator.
Before understanding the requirement of obtaining the Eating House license, let us understand what is an Eating house? Here it is a very simple answer to this question, any place which offers various products related to food or drink to the general public for consumption is regarded as Eating House. Licensing Police Commissioner of the city issues Eating House License. Moreover, the Eating House covers all the following establishments, which are as follows:-
- Shops,
- Restaurants,
- Dhabas,
- Food trucks,
- Cafes,
- Any establishment offering food and drinks
Benefits of Obtaining the Eating House License?
The benefits of obtaining the Eating house license are-
Represents The Culture
The eating house represents the values, culture of the respective state or country.
Enhances Brand Value
Eating house license adds additional benefits in the food business and offers an opportunity to an owner to show his innovation and passion while offering food and related services to the consumers.
Increases Customer Confidence
Ensures that the quality of food offered by the business operator to the customer is meeting the standards specified under the FSSAI, which ultimately results in profit maximization.
Provides A Place For The Sitting
An eating house is a place for gathering to the public as consumers can spend quality time with friends and family for having delicious food items.
Offer As Per The Customer’s Preference
With the help of an Eating house license, a food business operator can set up a place of sitting and offers the food to customers what they want to prefer.
Avoids Penalties And Litigations
Any food business trader should get the eating house license before offering food and related services officially. Non-compliance can lead to hefty penalties.
Business Expansion
The eating house license helps the business person to expand its business.
Documents are required for Obtaining the Eating House License?
Below-mentioned documents are required to obtain the Eating House License-
From The Applicant (Individual/Partners/Director Of The Company)
- Identity proof of the Applicant,
- Residential proof of the applicant.
- In case of applicant is a company or LLP-Certificate of Incorporation, complete details of the director are needed.
- Copy of Board Resolution.
Site-Related Documents
- Location plan of the Eating House along with the images of the site,
- Legal occupancy proof of the Eating House,
- In case of tenancy, NOC from the owner,
- A copy of Trade License from NDMC/MCD/DCB/Airport Authority of India along with the receipt,
- Fire safety measures installation proof,
- IPRS permits to have amusement activities.
Other Related Documents
- Notary Public attested affidavit on stamp paper
- FSSAI License
- Details of employees
- GST Registration certificate
- Police Clearance Certificate.
Procedure for obtaining the Eating House License?
Fill Application Form
For obtaining Eating House License, fill the application form in which the operator needs to mention the complete details.
Documents Submission
Appointment With Additional Commissioner Of Police
Once you have applied for the eating house license, the last step is to finalize an appointment date for scrutiny of application along with the necessary documents by the Additional Commissioner. Eating House License will be issued after proper and complete verification by the commissioner.
Step-by-step Process for Getting an Eating House License
Application for Eating House License can be filled online directly with the government. Though the process is long and consumes around 30-60 days to complete.
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1
Step 1
For starting the way towards acquiring the Eating House License, the applicant needs to get a user ID and Password by giving a request letter in person with the details of the Eating House.
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2
Step 2
All the data is to be filled absolutely for a separate application for Eating House License. All the necessary documents ought to be uploaded for this reason. There are various reasons for the dismissal of an application. The licensing authority may request some other explicit documents whenever required.
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3
Step 3
Meet the Additional Commissioner of Police, Licensing Department, Delhi for scrutiny of your application and supporting documents.
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4
Step 4
To know about any update on your application, take a follow-up with the government department. On encountering any rejection based on any false information or incomplete information, the fees once paid will be forfeited by the government.
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5
Step 5
Within 45-60 working days, the government will review your application and thus grant Eating House License.
What other Licenses are required to Run the Food Business?
Apart from Obtaining the Eating house license, the below-mentioned licenses are also required-
Food License
Having a food license from FSSAI is essential if you want to own and run a food business in India. Though before applying for the license, make sure you satisfy all the eligibility criteria for FSSAI registration.
Health Trade License
Food business units that trade in certain goods and services that directly impact the health of the general public need to obtain Health Trade License. Municipal Corporation of the concerned state issues the Health Trade License.
Fire Security Certificate
The food business operator must obtain NOC from the fire department. Once the FBO has applied for the NOC, the officials of the fire department will conduct an inspection.
Liquor License
Excise commissioner of the state will issue a Liquor License. Without this license, the business operator cannot serve liquor in their food business premises.
Lift Clearance
In the case of a multi-story building; obtain a clearance from the electrical inspector of the office of the labor commissioner. The clearance works as an assurance that the lift is operating as per the safety standards.
Music License
Obtain a Music License if music will also be part of the food business.
Environmental Clearance
Pollution board of the concerned state will issue an environmental clearance certificate which ensures that business will not harm the environment.
Insurance
It is necessary to take the insurance for public liability, fire policy, and for the assets of the company.
License Under Shop And Establishment Act
Obtain the license under Shop And Establishment Act from the concerned state. It is monitored by the Department of Labor that regulates premises wherein trade; business is performed.
Weight & Measures Department Approval
As per the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, the food business operators must get approvals of models of weighing & measuring instruments from the Weights & Measures Department.
Under what Circumstance the Authority can Cancel the Eating House License?
Authority who has granted the License can also cancel or suspend the same based on the following:
- If the owner or the license holder violates the guidelines issued at the time of allotting the License or is found not following the direction issued by registering authority shall upon giving the reasonable opportunity of being heard, can cancel the License.
- In case the eating house is not operating or/ is willing to shut down its business for the reason stated, it can apply to the authority, for the surrender of the License, who upon the receipt of such application will cancel the License.
Elucidate the Renewal of the Eating house license
The renewal of the license takes place after the expiry of the validity period. The validity depends on the issuing authority, which varies from state to state. In general, the license is valid for 3 years, where the renewal process is similar to the new application process.
When can the Authority issue a Duplicate License?
In case the original license is torn, damaged, or deteriorated, it is all-important to obtain the duplicate one, to run a Permissible business. The applicant will apply for a license along with the prescribed fees. The authority will evaluate the application filed by the applicant and will issue the duplicate certificate.