Restaurant Registration in Pakistan
The restaurant business is booming not only in Pakistan but all over the world. It is one of the most
successful businesses in Pakistan. If you want to establish your own restaurant, you have to get a
license from the concerned authority, just like in any other country. The same system follows in
Pakistan; Hotel/Restaurant Registration is mandatory for a food supplier in order to commence
business in Pakistan. In Pakistan, the law relating to food items which may or may not be served in
hotels and restaurants is administered under various statutes and rules.
The Pakistan Hotels and Restaurants Act, 1976 and The Pakistan Hotels and Restaurants Rules, 1977
were put in place to help regulate restaurants specifically. However, the law extends to various
other statutes as well, like the sales tax Act, 1990 and Income tax Ordinance,2001. Agreements are
administered under the stamp act, among other things.
The law that deals with the registration and control of hotels and restaurants is mainly The Pakistan
Hotels and Restaurants Act, 1976, with The Pakistan Hotels and Restaurants Rules, 1977 as a
supporting document. This act covers things like classifications of hotels, how they should be
managed, and rules for advertising.
All restaurant and hotel owners must apply for registration with the controller before opening their
business. If they do not register, they may be subject to imprisonment for up to one year and a fine
of up to 500,000 rupees.
Registration of a restaurant requires the owner to meet certain standards in terms of health,
hygiene, and comfort. They must also have medical certificates from staff members confirming their
good health, and the restaurant building must be structurally safe. There may be other requirements
in accordance with law that must also be met.
After registering their restaurant, the owner is required to obtain a license from the controller.
Usually, registration and the license are issued at the same time. A license granted will be valid for
one year and is renewable yearly after paying the required government fee.