Police License for Eating House Establishment
An Eating House License is an official approval granted by the local police authority, allowing food establishments to lawfully serve meals and beverages to the public. This license is compulsory for entities such as restaurants, cafés, food trucks, roadside eateries (dhabas), and even short-term food stalls operating in India.
Who can apply for Eating House establishment
Criteria for Applicant and Premises
- Any individual seeking to open an Eating House must upload all relevant documents on the Unified Portal managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
- The Commissioner of Police, or an authorized officer, is responsible for assessing the following:
- The applicant’s credibility and suitability
- The appropriateness of the proposed location for the Eating House
- The suitability of the property intended to host the establishment
- It is mandatory that the above conditions are continuously maintained throughout the validity period of the Registration Certificate.
Procedure for Registration
Application Submission
- The application must be filled and submitted online through the Unified Portal of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Applicants must pay a non-refundable fee.
Required documents for eating house establishment include:
Primary Documents (collected by Licensing Division):
- Health Trade License from municipal/local bodies
- Local Police and Traffic suitability reports
Secondary Documents (uploaded by applicant):
- Identity proof (Aadhar, Voter ID, PAN, Passport, Driving License)
- Address proof (same as above plus utility bills, rental agreements, etc.)
- CCTV installation invoice with 30-day recording capacity and valid AMC
- Authorization documents for partnerships/companies (Board resolution, incorporation certificate, partnership deed, etc.)
- Police Clearance Certificate (Delhi residents through PCC Portal; others via state/UT authorities)
- Proof of property ownership or tenancy
- Undertaking in Form-1
Issuance and Inspection
- Upon fulfillment of all requirements, the Registration Certificate will be issued through the Unified Portal within nine days of Health Trade License issuance.
- Premises may be inspected either before or after certificate issuance by a police officer, not below the rank of Head Constable.
- Compliance with safety, environmental, electrical, fire, and disaster management norms must be ensured as per applicable laws.
- The Registration Certificate must be prominently displayed at the establishment.
Validity
- The certificate remains valid for up to three years, expiring on 31st March of the third year unless renewed earlier.
Permitted Operating Hours
Operating Guidelines by Establishment Type:
- 24-hour operation : Eating Houses in 4-star or 5-star hotels, airports, railway/metro stations, and interstate bus terminals
- 21-hour operation : Eating Houses within 3-star hotels, closed between 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM
- 20-hour operation : All other establishments, closed between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM
- Establishments may remain open for an additional 15 minutes after closing time to allow customers to finish food already served.
Benefits for obtaining Police license for eating house
Legal Compliance
- Validates lawful operation and adherence to police regulations
- Prevents fines, operational halts, or legal action
- Required alongside licenses such as FSSAI, Fire NOC, and Trade License
Public Confidence
- Affirms adherence to public safety norms
- Enhances trust among customers and regulators
- Essential for dine-in facilities across various formats
Business Continuity
- Enables uninterrupted functioning of the business
- Facilitates eligibility for government contracts and service enlistments
Transparency in Operations
- Supports record-keeping of staff verification, hygiene standards, and surveillance systems
- Promotes responsible and transparent practices
Brand Credibility
- Improves investor confidence and business reputation
- Highlights the establishment’s commitment to lawful and ethical conduct
