How to Obtain an Eating House License in Delhi

How to Obtain an Eating House License in Delhi. Starting a restaurant, café, dhaba, or any place where food is served to the public in Delhi requires more than just good food and a great location. One of the most important legal approvals you must obtain is the Eating House License. This license is mandatory under Delhi laws and is issued by the Police Department to ensure public safety, hygiene, and lawful operation of eating establishments.
This article explains the Eating House License in Delhi in simple words. It covers eligibility, documents, application procedure, timelines, validity, and common issues so even a first-time entrepreneur can understand the process easily.
What Is an Eating House License?
An Eating House License is a legal permission required to run any place where food or beverages are supplied for consumption by the public. This includes restaurants, cafés, food courts, bars with food service, canteens, and even small eateries. In Delhi, this license is issued by Delhi Police under the Delhi Eating Houses Registration Regulations.
Without this license, operating an eating house is considered illegal and may lead to fines, closure, or prosecution.
Who Needs an Eating House License in Delhi?
Any individual, partnership firm, LLP, or company that wants to open an eating establishment in Delhi must obtain this license before starting operations. Even if the outlet is small or located inside a commercial complex, the requirement still applies. Cloud kitchens that allow dine-in or public access may also be asked to obtain this license, depending on local inspection.
Eligibility Conditions
To apply for an Eating House License in Delhi, the applicant must satisfy certain basic conditions. The applicant should be at least 18 years old and must not have a criminal background. The premises should be located in a commercial or mixed-use area as per local zoning laws. The establishment must comply with fire safety norms, sanitation standards, and local municipal requirements.
Documents Required for Eating House License
Proper documentation is crucial for smooth approval. The commonly required documents include identity proof and address proof of the applicant, proof of ownership or lease agreement of the premises, site plan of the eating house, photographs of the premises, and a police verification form.
In addition to this, a Fire Safety Certificate (where applicable), Health Trade License from the municipal corporation, and FSSAI Registration from Food Safety and Standards Authority of India are required. Some cases may also require an NOC from the landlord or society.
Step-by-Step Application Process in Delhi
The application for an Eating House License in Delhi is filed online through the Delhi Police licensing portal. First, the applicant needs to create a user account on the portal. After login, the Eating House License application form must be filled with accurate details such as name of the establishment, address, seating capacity, operating hours, and type of food served.
Once the form is completed, all required documents are uploaded online. After submission, the prescribed government fee is paid through the portal. Upon successful submission, an acknowledgment number is generated for tracking the application.
Police Verification and Inspection
After the application is filed, local police authorities conduct a background verification of the applicant. In many cases, a physical inspection of the premises is also carried out. The inspection focuses on cleanliness, fire exits, seating arrangement, CCTV installation (if required), and overall safety of the premises.
If the inspection report is satisfactory and no objections are raised, the application moves forward for approval.
Time Required for Approval
The processing time for an Eating House License in Delhi usually ranges between 30 to 60 working days. Delays may occur if documents are incomplete, details are incorrect, or inspection observations are not complied with in time. Applicants are advised to regularly track the application status online and respond promptly to any queries raised by authorities.
Validity and Renewal of License
An Eating House License in Delhi is generally valid for one year. It must be renewed before expiry to avoid penalties or interruption of business. Renewal applications should be filed in advance, along with updated documents and renewal fees. Operating with an expired license can attract legal action.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Running an eating house without a valid license is a serious offence in Delhi. Authorities may impose heavy fines, seal the premises, or even initiate criminal proceedings. In addition, non-compliance can affect other registrations such as GST, municipal licenses, and FSSAI approvals.
Practical Tips for Smooth Approval
Applicants should ensure that all documents are consistent, especially the address mentioned across different registrations. Fire safety and hygiene norms should be complied with before inspection. Displaying required certificates at the premises after approval also helps during routine checks by authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is an Eating House License mandatory for small cafés in Delhi?
Ans. Yes, any place serving food to the public, regardless of size, requires an Eating House License in Delhi.
Q2. Can I apply for the license before starting the business?
Ans. Yes, the license should ideally be obtained before commencing operations.
Q3. Is FSSAI registration compulsory along with the Eating House License?
Ans. Yes, FSSAI registration is mandatory for all food businesses and is required while applying for the Eating House License.
Q4. How much does it cost to obtain an Eating House License in Delhi?
Ans. The government fee varies depending on the nature and size of the establishment. Professional charges may be additional if you take expert assistance.
Q5. Is police verification compulsory?
Ans. Yes, police verification of the applicant is a mandatory part of the approval process.
Q6. Can the license be transferred to another person?
Ans. No, the Eating House License is not transferable. A fresh application is required if ownership changes.
Q7. Is inspection always conducted by authorities?
Ans. In most cases, yes. Physical inspection helps ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
Q8. What happens if my application is rejected?
Ans. You may reapply after rectifying the issues mentioned in the rejection or inspection report.
Q9. Do cloud kitchens need an Eating House License in Delhi?
Ans. If there is no dine-in or public access, requirements may vary, but authorities may still ask for it in certain cases.
Q10. How often does the license need to be renewed?
Ans. The Eating House License is generally renewed annually.

Starting a restaurant, café, dhaba, or any place where food is served to the public in Delhi requires more than just good food and a great location. One of the most important legal approvals you must obtain is the Eating House License. This license is mandatory under Delhi laws and is issued by the Police Department to ensure public safety, hygiene, and lawful operation of eating establishments.

This article explains the Eating House License in Delhi in simple words. It covers eligibility, documents, application procedure, timelines, validity, and common issues so even a first-time entrepreneur can understand the process easily.

What Is an Eating House License?

An Eating House License is a legal permission required to run any place where food or beverages are supplied for consumption by the public. This includes restaurants, cafés, food courts, bars with food service, canteens, and even small eateries. In Delhi, this license is issued by Delhi Police under the Delhi Eating Houses Registration Regulations.

Without this license, operating an eating house is considered illegal and may lead to fines, closure, or prosecution.

Who Needs an Eating House License in Delhi?

Any individual, partnership firm, LLP, or company that wants to open an eating establishment in Delhi must obtain this license before starting operations. Even if the outlet is small or located inside a commercial complex, the requirement still applies. Cloud kitchens that allow dine-in or public access may also be asked to obtain this license, depending on local inspection.

Eligibility Conditions

To apply for an Eating House License in Delhi, the applicant must satisfy certain basic conditions. The applicant should be at least 18 years old and must not have a criminal background. The premises should be located in a commercial or mixed-use area as per local zoning laws. The establishment must comply with fire safety norms, sanitation standards, and local municipal requirements.

Documents Required for Eating House License

Proper documentation is crucial for smooth approval. The commonly required documents include identity proof and address proof of the applicant, proof of ownership or lease agreement of the premises, site plan of the eating house, photographs of the premises, and a police verification form.

In addition to this, a Fire Safety Certificate (where applicable), Health Trade License from the municipal corporation, and FSSAI Registration from Food Safety and Standards Authority of India are required. Some cases may also require an NOC from the landlord or society.

Step-by-Step Application Process in Delhi

The application for an Eating House License in Delhi is filed online through the Delhi Police licensing portal. First, the applicant needs to create a user account on the portal. After login, the Eating House License application form must be filled with accurate details such as name of the establishment, address, seating capacity, operating hours, and type of food served.

Once the form is completed, all required documents are uploaded online. After submission, the prescribed government fee is paid through the portal. Upon successful submission, an acknowledgment number is generated for tracking the application.

Police Verification and Inspection

After the application is filed, local police authorities conduct a background verification of the applicant. In many cases, a physical inspection of the premises is also carried out. The inspection focuses on cleanliness, fire exits, seating arrangement, CCTV installation (if required), and overall safety of the premises.

If the inspection report is satisfactory and no objections are raised, the application moves forward for approval.

Time Required for Approval

The processing time for an Eating House License in Delhi usually ranges between 30 to 60 working days. Delays may occur if documents are incomplete, details are incorrect, or inspection observations are not complied with in time. Applicants are advised to regularly track the application status online and respond promptly to any queries raised by authorities.

Validity and Renewal of License

An Eating House License in Delhi is generally valid for one year. It must be renewed before expiry to avoid penalties or interruption of business. Renewal applications should be filed in advance, along with updated documents and renewal fees. Operating with an expired license can attract legal action.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Running an eating house without a valid license is a serious offence in Delhi. Authorities may impose heavy fines, seal the premises, or even initiate criminal proceedings. In addition, non-compliance can affect other registrations such as GST, municipal licenses, and FSSAI approvals.

Practical Tips for Smooth Approval

Applicants should ensure that all documents are consistent, especially the address mentioned across different registrations. Fire safety and hygiene norms should be complied with before inspection. Displaying required certificates at the premises after approval also helps during routine checks by authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is an Eating House License mandatory for small cafés in Delhi?

Ans. Yes, any place serving food to the public, regardless of size, requires an Eating House License in Delhi.

Q2. Can I apply for the license before starting the business?

Ans. Yes, the license should ideally be obtained before commencing operations.

Q3. Is FSSAI registration compulsory along with the Eating House License?

Ans. Yes, FSSAI registration is mandatory for all food businesses and is required while applying for the Eating House License.

Q4. How much does it cost to obtain an Eating House License in Delhi?

Ans. The government fee varies depending on the nature and size of the establishment. Professional charges may be additional if you take expert assistance.

Q5. Is police verification compulsory?

Ans. Yes, police verification of the applicant is a mandatory part of the approval process.

Q6. Can the license be transferred to another person?

Ans. No, the Eating House License is not transferable. A fresh application is required if ownership changes.

Q7. Is inspection always conducted by authorities?

Ans. In most cases, yes. Physical inspection helps ensure safety and compliance with regulations.

Q8. What happens if my application is rejected?

Ans. You may reapply after rectifying the issues mentioned in the rejection or inspection report.

Q9. Do cloud kitchens need an Eating House License in Delhi?

Ans. If there is no dine-in or public access, requirements may vary, but authorities may still ask for it in certain cases.

Q10. How often does the license need to be renewed?

Ans. The Eating House License is generally renewed annually.