Eating house licence in India: the police permit explained (2026)

An eating house licence is a police-issued permit allowing a premises to serve food for consumption on site. It is required mainly in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and some other cities; many towns do not require it at all. In Delhi it is issued by the Delhi Police Licensing Unit and is valid for three years. It is separate from your FSSAI food licence and your municipal trade/health licence — where required, you need it in addition to those.

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Who needs an eating house licence

The eating house licence is a local police requirement, not a national one. It applies mainly in larger metros where the police regulate public premises that serve food — notably Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. If you open a restaurant, café or eatery that seats customers in one of these cities, you likely need it. In many other cities and towns there is no separate police eating-house licence; the municipal trade/health licence covers you. Always confirm with your local police licensing unit or municipal body.

How it differs from your other licences

See the full picture in our restaurant licences guide.

Documents you usually need (Delhi example)

For the Delhi eating house licence, applicants typically provide:

• Details of the establishment: name, address, seating capacity, operating hours and type of food served.
• FSSAI registration/licence number.
• Proof of premises (rent agreement or ownership).
• Trade/health licence and, where applicable, fire safety NOC.
• Identity and photographs of the applicant.

Exact lists vary; the Delhi Police Licensing portal shows the current requirements.

How to apply (Delhi)

1. Visit the Delhi Police Licensing portal and choose the eating house service.
2. You are directed to the unified MHA licensing portal to register and create an account.
3. Apply for the licence, entering establishment details and uploading documents.
4. Pay the applicable fee and submit; the licence, once granted, is valid for three years in Delhi.

Important: Delhi's planned phase-out

In 2025 the Delhi government indicated it intends to remove the Delhi Police eating-house licence to cut duplication with other approvals. Until that change is formally notified to all agencies, applicants should continue to apply as required and confirm the current status before opening. Rules in other cities are unaffected.

In short

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