Launching a food-service outlet in Delhi demands navigating a complex web of regulations: from FSSAI for food safety to GST for taxation; state-level excise permits for alcohol; municipal health/trade, Fire NOCs, and pollution consents; plus niche licenses like Tea & Snack Shop, PESO LPG storage, and Weights & Measures. Additional requirements include Shops & Establishments registration, Public Liability Insurance, Signage approvals, Music performance rights, and more. Planning 4–6 months for application, inspection, and renewal processes will ensure a smooth, compliant launch.
1.1 FSSAI License
- Fee: Basic registration is ₹100, State licence ₹2,000–₹7,500, Central licence ₹7,500 .
- Timeline: Issuance in 30–60 days; renewal 30 days before expiry .
1.2 GST Registration
- Thresholds: Mandatory at ₹20 L turnover (₹10 L in NE/hill states).
- Rates: 5% (no ITC) for non-AC/no-seating; 18% (with ITC) for AC/with seating or delivery .
- Filing Frequency: Monthly returns; penalties up to ₹10,000 for delays.
2. State Excise & Liquor Permits
2.1 Delhi Excise Licences
- Permit-I (Restaurant ≥ 30 seats): Application fee ₹10,000, security deposit ₹5 L, renewal ₹7,500 p.a. .
- Permit-II (Bar): Fee ₹8,000, deposit ₹3 L, renewal ₹6,000.
- Permit-IV (Beer/Wine Only): Fee ₹5,000, deposit ₹2 L, renewal ₹4,000.
- Process Time: 60–90 days, includes Police, Fire, Trade, and FSSAI NOCs .
State Variations:
- Mumbai (Type-B/C): Licence fee ₹15,000–₹25,000, deposit ₹10 L .
- Bangalore: Fees ₹10,000–₹20,000, deposit ₹5 L .
3. Municipal Approvals
3.1 MCD Health & Trade Licence
- Fee: ₹2,000 initial; renewal ₹1,000.
- Validity: 1 year; timelines 30 days .
3.2 Tea & Snack Shop Licence
- Fee: ₹1,500 p.a. for outlets ≤ 20 seats.
- Penalties: Fines up to ₹5,000/day for non-compliance .
3.3 Shops & Establishments Registration
- Fee: ₹500–₹1,000 depending on employee count.
- Deadline: Within 30 days of opening .
4. Safety & Environmental NOCs
4.1 Fire-Safety Certificate (DFS)
- Area Threshold: Built-up ≥ 60 m² (~ 645 sq ft) mandatory; ≥ 200 m² requires hydrants.
- Fee: ₹1,000 application; renewal ₹500 biennially.
- Process: Inspection within 15–30 days .
4.2 DPCC Pollution Consents
- CTE: Fee ₹5,000, valid 5 years.
- CTO: Fee ₹2,000, valid 1 year.
- Process: 45–60 days .
5. Specialty & Miscellaneous Licences
5.1 PESO (LPG Storage)
- Fee: ₹5,000–₹10,000 depending on cylinder capacity.
- Process: Design approval and annual audits .
5.2 Legal Metrology
- Fee: ₹250 per weighing/billing device; verification every 1–2 years .
5.3 Public Liability Insurance
- Premium: ₹10,000–₹50,000 p.a. based on risk profile.
- Coverage: Mandatory for hazardous substances .
5.4 Occupancy Certificate
- Fee: ₹5,000; includes structural safety and fire exits.
- Timeline: 30–45 days post fit-out .
5.5 Plastic Waste Management
- Fee: ₹1,000 registration; annual compliance reporting.
- Rules: Bans on certain disposables from 2022 .
5.6 Food-Handler Training
- Fee: ₹2,000–₹5,000 per supervisor; health checks ₹500 p.a.
- Validity: 3 years .
5.7 Music & Public Performance
- PPL: ₹5,000–₹15,000 p.a. based on seating.
- IPRS: ₹3,000–₹10,000 p.a. .
5.8 Signage / Advertisement
- Fee: ₹2,000–₹5,000 depending on size; renewal ₹1,000.
- Violation Penalty: ₹5,000–₹10,000 .
5.9 Lift/Elevator Certificate
- Fee: ₹1,000 initial; annual inspection ₹500.
- Regulator: Delhi Lift Directorate .
6. State-Wise Snapshot
| Licence | Delhi | Mumbai | Bangalore | Kolkata |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FSSAI | ₹100–₹7,500 | ₹100–₹7,500 | ₹100–₹7,500 | ₹100–₹7,500 |
| GST | 5%/18% | 5%/18% | 5%/18% | 5%/18% |
| Excise (Liquor) | ₹5k–₹10k + deposit ₹2L–₹5L | ₹10k–₹25k + deposit ₹5L–₹10L | ₹10k–₹20k + deposit ₹5L | ₹5k–₹15k + deposit ₹2L–₹5L |
| Trade License | ₹2,000/₹1,000 | ₹3,000/₹1,500 | ₹2,500/₹1,200 | ₹2,000/₹1,000 |
| Tea & Snack Shop | ₹1,500 | ₹7,000 | ₹2,000 | ₹1,800 |
| Fire NOC | ₹1,000/₹500 | ₹1,200/₹600 | ₹1,000/₹500 | ₹1,000/₹500 |
| Pollution Consent | ₹5k (CTE)/₹2k (CTO) | ₹6k/₹3k | ₹5k/₹2k | ₹5k/₹2k |
| PESO LPG | ₹5k–₹10k | ₹5k–₹10k | ₹5k–₹10k | ₹5k–₹10k |
| Metrology | ₹250/device | ₹250/device | ₹250/device | ₹250/device |
| PLI | ₹10k–₹50k | ₹10k–₹50k | ₹10k–₹50k | ₹10k–₹50k |
| OC | ₹5,000 | ₹6,000 | ₹5,000 | ₹5,000 |
| Plastic Waste | ₹1,000 | ₹1,200 | ₹1,000 | ₹1,000 |
| Food Training | ₹2k–₹5k | ₹2k–₹5k | ₹2k–₹5k | ₹2k–₹5k |
| Music (PPL/IPRS) | ₹8k–₹25k total | ₹8k–₹30k | ₹8k–₹25k | ₹8k–₹25k |
| Signage | ₹2k–₹5k | ₹3k–₹6k | ₹2k–₹5k | ₹2k–₹5k |
| Lift Certificate | ₹1,000/₹500 | ₹1,200/₹600 | ₹1,000/₹500 | ₹1,000/₹500 |
Next Steps:
- Aggregate Fees & Deposits: Budget approximately ₹5–10 L for all licences and NOCs.
- Map Application Timelines: Sequence licences to avoid launch delays (start FSSAI & fire ~3 months prior).
- Engage Local Experts: Compliance consultants can fast-track Police, Fire, and Excise NOCs.
- Track Renewals: Maintain a digital calendar—penalties for lapses can exceed ₹50,000 per licence.
With this exhaustive licence and fee breakdown, your Delhi restaurant, café, or QSR will meet every regulatory requirement—allowing you to focus on operations and customer delight.
