Updated: 10.09.2023
Catering Establishment Application (Restaurant, Snack Bar, Bar, Kiosk, Disco, Nightclub)
"Catering establishment" means any building, premises or other establishment, including kiosks, howsoever described, purveying for reward food and, or, beverages including wines and spirits, for consumption.
A catering establishment license is required to set- up such activity. The license is obtained by the Malta Tourism Authority.
An application can be filed online by following the link:
https://servizz.gov.mt/en/Pages/Culture-and-Leisure/Leisure/Tourism/WEB139/default.aspx
Applicable Laws (Rights and Obligations)
Chapter 409- Travel and Tourism Services Act- https://legislation.mt/eli/cap/409/eng
Subsidiary Legislation 409.15- Catering Establishments Regulations- https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/409.15/eng
Documents needed with application
Applicant Licensee
- Scanned copy of ID Card of Applicant Licensee (Individual or Official Representative);
- Curriculum Vitae of Applicant Licensee (Individual or Official Representative);
- Recent Police Conduct of Applicant Licensee (Individual or Official Representative);
- Copy of Full Memorandum & Articles of Association (if Applicant is a Body Corporate);
- Copy of Deed of Partnership (if Applicant is a Partnership);
- Company Board Resolution appointing an Official Representative of the Company (if Applicant is a Body Corporate)
- Partnership Resolution appointing an Official Representative of the Partnership (if Applicant is a Partnership)
Operator (if nominated)
- Scanned copy of ID Card of Operator (Individual or Official Representative);
- Curriculum Vitae of Operator (Individual or Official Representative);
- Recent Police Conduct of Operator (Individual or Official Representative);
- Copy of Full Memorandum & Articles of Association (if Operator is a Body Corporate);
- Copy of Deed of Partnership (if Operator is a Partnership);
- Company Board Resolution appointing an Official Representative of the Company (if Operator is a Body Corporate);
- Partnership Resolution appointing an Official Representative of the Partnership (if Operator is a Partnership)
The Premises
- Copy of Approved PA Development Permit including Site Plan and Drawings showing establishment in RED;
- Architect’s Declaration stating that the establishment is compliant with PA Development Permit and Plans;
- Public Sewer Discharge Permit;*1
- Health Department/Food Safety Unit Clearance *2
- Swill Agreement
- Third-party Liability Insurance for a minimum of €250,000
Fees
See Subsidiary Legislation 409.05
Method of Payment
Online payment is available via the Licensing Management System (LMS).
Timeframes
- Submission of application: 0
- Vetting of application: 5 days
- Applicant will need to submit documents based on the specific application following initial vetting process: The amount of time in this period depends on the applicant and the time taken by the applicant to provide such docs.
- Inspection/Assessment:
- In such step, once again, the timeline is dependent on the applicant whether the standards are provided or not at the establishment. In the case that standards are not met then the applicant is asked to rectify, and process is paused.
- Approval: 10 Days
Incomplete Application Forms
In the case of an incomplete application form, the Authority shall, without delay, inform the applicant of the need to supply any additional information or documentation, or of the need to conduct any interviews or inspection.
Nonetheless, when the Authority has not determined whether to issue a licence to an applicant, within the periods mentioned above, such applicant shall not be deemed, for all intents and purposes of law, to be licensed.
Means of Redress or Appeal
Any person who feels aggrieved by a decision of the Authority, as provided in article 14(1) of Chapter 409- Travel and Tourism Services Act, may appeal to the Tourism Appeals Board, on payment of the prescribed fee (applicable fees as per Legal Notice 409.05), within fifteen (15) days from the date the decision on which the appeal is entered is communicated to the person concerned. Tourism Appeals Board contacts and information can be found on https://www.tourismappealsboard.com/
Department Responsible: MTA Licensing Department
Contact Persons:
General Enquiries -
Tel: 22915000
Email: licencing.mta@visitmalta.com
Authority: Malta Tourism Authority