The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (1 April) that, with immediate effect, it will implement a new inter-departmental “joint vetting” mechanism and streamlined procedures to expedite the processing of applications for outdoor seating accommodation (OSA) by food premises, with a view to facilitating business operations. (https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202604/01/P2026040100354.htm)

Key Enhancements Include:

1. Significant Reduction in Processing Time
Previously, the median processing time from receipt of application to approval was approximately 12 months. Under the new arrangement, straightforward cases are expected to receive “approval-in-principle” within approximately one month, together with notification of specific licensing requirements.

2. Relaxation of Certain Licensing Requirements

• Eligible food premises will not be required to increase kitchen area or sanitary facilities solely due to the provision of outdoor seating;
• Where a minimum pedestrian passage width of three metres can be maintained after setting up outdoor seating, such arrangements will generally be regarded as meeting highway requirements;
• Dedicated case managers will be assigned by relevant departments to handle enquiries from applicants.

3. Simultaneous Inter-Departmental Vetting Mechanism

• An enhanced application form enables departments to obtain all necessary information upfront, thereby expediting processing;
• District consultation will be conducted concurrently by the District Office;
• If no objections are raised, approval-in-principle will be granted;
• Formal approval will be issued upon full compliance with licensing conditions and satisfactory inspection by FEHD and relevant departments.

For more complex cases, intervention at the level of Permanent Secretaries or even the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration may be arranged to resolve issues promptly. Post-approval inspections will be conducted as necessary to ensure compliance.

The Chief Executive announced in the 2025 Policy Address that procedures for outdoor seating applications would be streamlined and expedited. Under the leadership of the Deputy Chief Secretary, FEHD and relevant departments have formulated internal guidelines and briefed the trade on the new arrangements.

Details of the new application procedures and application forms are available on the FEHD website:
www.fehd.gov.hk/tc_chi/licensing/guide.html#OutsideSeatinngAccommodation

The application form also lists enquiry hotline numbers of relevant departments.

Members who are considering applying for outdoor seating are encouraged to take note of the new arrangements and make use of the streamlined mechanism. Should you have any questions or wish to share feedback, please feel free to contact the Secretariat.