What is an Eating-House Licence?

An Eating-House Licence is a regulatory permission required for any place where food or non-alcoholic refreshments are offered to the public for immediate consumption. The term covers a wide range of outlets — from fine-dining restaurants and cafés to roadside stalls, juice bars and food trucks — essentially any premises where members of the public may eat or drink on the spot.

Who issues the licence?

In most Indian cities and states the Eating-House Licence is issued by police authorities. Depending on your location, the licensing office may be the Commissioner of Police, an Additional Commissioner (Licensing), or another designated police licensing branch. You must apply to the police office that has jurisdiction over the area where your premises are located.

Why you need it? 

  1. Legal compliance: Operating without the licence can invite inspections, penalties or forced closure.
  2. Credibility: Holding the licence improves public trust and can help with relationships with suppliers, landlords and regulatory bodies.
  3. Operational ease: Proper licensing reduces the risk of repeated enforcement actions and simplifies related approvals (for example, for events or extensions).

What Other licences commonly required? 

1. FSSAI Registration / Licence: Mandatory for food businesses; confirms food safety compliance.

2. Health/Trade Licence: Issued by the municipal corporation (sanitation & trade compliance).

3. Fire NOC / Fire Safety Certificate: Required especially for premises above a certain seating capacity or in multistorey buildings.
These permits are typically processed by separate authorities but are frequently requested as part of the Eating-House Licence application and inspection.

What are Documents checklist? 

Prepare clear, legible copies of the items below. Exact local requirements vary, but this list covers the most commonly required documents:

1. Site plan / floor plan of the premises.

2. Recent passport-size photographs of the premises (and proprietor’s photo if required).

3. Copy of existing trade licence (if already issued) and payment receipts for municipal dues.

4. Proof of premises occupancy — ownership papers or lease agreement; landlord NOC if rented.

5. Identity proof and address proof of the applicant (Aadhaar, PAN, passport, etc.).

6. Notarised affidavit on stamp paper (format varies by jurisdiction).

7. Fire safety certificate (if seating capacity exceeds the threshold set by local rules).

8. CCTV installation details (in some jurisdictions authorities require cameras with a minimum recording retention — e.g. 30 days).

9. Company documents (if applicant is a company): Certificate of Incorporation, board resolutions, director details.

10. Police Verification certificate

11. GST registration copy.

12. FSSAI certificate copy.

13. Employee records and any required police verification/clearance documents.

14. Evidence of installed fire-safety equipment (extinguishers, emergency exits, signage).

How to apply? — step-by-step

While forms and exact authorities differ by state, the following sequence is the common path:

  1. Collect documents: Use the checklist above and ensure originals are available at inspection.
  2. Complete the application form: Obtain the prescribed Eating-House application from the local police licensing office or its website. Fill in details about the business, owners, seating capacity, and safety measures.
  3. Submit application + enclosures: Lodge the filled form and document set at the designated licensing counter (or submit online where available). Pay any prescribed fees.
  4. Inspection schedule: The licensing office will schedule an inspection (usually by the Additional Commissioner or delegated officer). The inspection verifies the premises, safety measures and documents.
  5. Verification & police report: The licensing section may conduct police verification of the applicant(s) and check documents for authenticity.
  6. Licence grant: On successful inspection and verification, the Eating-House Licence is issued. Processing times vary; many regions aim to complete within a few weeks to a couple of months.
  7. Validity & renewal: Licences are often issued for a fixed period (commonly three years in many jurisdictions) and must be renewed before expiry to avoid disruption.

Practical tips to speed up approval

  • Prepare a neat site plan that clearly shows seating, kitchen area, emergency exits and fire equipment.
  • Keep copies of trade licence, GST and FSSAI handy — inspectors usually ask for them together.
  • If premises are leased, secure a written NOC from the landlord early.
  • Install basic fire-safety measures and CCTV (if required) before inspection — inspectors often check physical measures, not just paperwork.
  • Answer police verification questions promptly and provide truthful information to avoid delays.

Short FAQ

Q: Does a small street vendor need this licence?
A: Many municipal rules cover small vendors differently, but if the stall serves food to the public on the premises, the vendor may need either a simplified registration or an Eating-House Licence — check local rules.

Q: Is the licence transferable if I sell the business?
A: Transfer rules differ by jurisdiction. Commonly, a new owner must apply for a fresh licence or request a transfer/endorsement with supporting documents and police verification.

Q: Can I operate while waiting for the licence?
A: It’s risky. Operating without required permissions can lead to fines or closure. If you’ve applied, keep proof of the application on hand and seek legal advice regarding temporary permissions.

Q: Who enforces these rules?
A: The local/state police licensing section and municipal health/safety inspectors conduct enforcement. Fire authorities and FSSAI officials may also inspect and enforce their separate rules.