Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Starting today, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will collaborate with relevant departments to implement a new joint-vetting mechanism to streamline the procedures for processing applications for outside seating accommodation (OSA) of restaurants.
Previously, the median processing time for OSA applications was 12 months from receipt of an application to approval.
Under the new arrangements which aim to facilitate business operations, applicants of simple and straightforward cases can expect to get an approval in principle within about one month, with information of detailed licensing requirements.
In addition, application requirements have also been suitably relaxed, e.g. eligible restaurants will not be required to increase food room areas and sanitary fitments for the OSA.
Also, applications involving walkways with a remaining width of three metres or more after the OSA provision, will generally be considered meeting the traffic requirements.
Each relevant department will also assign a dedicated case manager to handle applicants’ enquiries.
Under the new arrangements, the application form has been enhanced to ensure that each department involved receives necessary information upfront, therefore expediting the approval process.
District Offices will conduct local consultations in parallel. If no objections are raised, applications will be approved in principle. Formal approval will be granted once applicants comply with licensing requirements, and inspections are completed by the FEHD and other departments.
For complex cases arising during the joint-vetting, the relevant Permanent Secretaries and even the Deputy Chief Secretary will step in to resolve issues.
After the approval of OSA, the departments will conduct audit checking as necessary to ensure that there are no violations.
The Chief Executive announced in the 2025 Policy Address that the FEHD and relevant departments would expedite OSA applications of restaurants and streamline procedures.
The trade has been briefed on the new arrangements. Click here for details and application forms.