NRAI Thanks Delhi Government for Easing Licensing Norms for Restaurants

NRAI expresses gratitude to Delhi Government for waving the way towards simplified restaurant operations and boosting industry growth

New Delhi, 23 June 2025: In a move that marks a significant victory for the food & beverage (F&B) industry, the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), representing the interests of over 5 lakh restaurants in India, welcomes the recent order by the Government of Delhi under the leadership of Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena and Hon’ble Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta. This reform removes long-standing licensing requirement for restaurants in Delhi, marking a major step forward in ease of doing business for the sector.

As per the new directive, restaurants operating in Delhi will no longer be required to obtain the Delhi Police Eating House License. This change will reduce administrative hurdles and significantly improve the ease of doing business for the F&B sector in the capital. This will also increase investments by the F&B Sector, which will bring in additional revenue to the Delhi Government's exchequer in various forms in the future.

This decision is expected to bring major relief to thousands of restaurant owners, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, who have long struggled with the burden of acquiring multiple governmental clearances.

Praising this historic move, “We wholeheartedly thank the Central and Delhi Government for this forward-looking step. Removing the requirement for the Delhi Police Eating House License is a significant relief for restaurateurs who have long faced unnecessary delays and complexities. We are proud that NRAI's persistent efforts have contributed to this much-needed change. This reform will not only save time and resources but also foster a more vibrant, business-friendly environment for both existing and aspiring entrepreneurs in the F&B sector.”

Mr. Sagar Daryani, NRAI President

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Sandeep Anand Goyle, NRAI Delhi Chapter Head said, “This is a monumental decision for the restaurant industry in Delhi. We are grateful to Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena and Hon’ble Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta for addressing long-pending concerns of our industry. As an industry body, NRAI has been relentlessly advocating for the removal of the licensing requirement for many years. Getting this great news is not just a validation of our efforts but a significant boost for the entire F&B sector. This move will encourage entrepreneurship, support job creation, and revive ease of doing business in the F&B space.”

The NRAI reiterates its commitment to working closely with Government bodies to build a more supportive, business-friendly ecosystem for India’s thriving restaurant sector.

About NRAI:

National Restaurant Association of India is the voice of the Indian Restaurant Industry. Founded in 1982, by L.C. Nirula of Nirula’s, Madan Lamba of Volga, O.P. Bahl of Khyber Restaurant, R.D. Gora of Gazebo, A.S. Kamat of Kamat Restaurants & other leading restaurateurs, it represents the interests of 500000+ Restaurants, an industry valued at INR 5.69 lakh crores. Being the leading association of the Indian Restaurant Industry, NRAI aspires to promote and strengthen the Indian Food Service Sector. The Association in its 42nd year has a pan India presence and is governed by a committee of members and led by a President and Office Bearers. The committee consists of over 30 Restaurant CEOs / Owners representing various national and international brands from the F&B sector. The association works closely with a network of State and City Chapters across the country.