To open a coffee shop in Beijing, you need a Business License and a Food Business License (食品经营许可证—餐饮服务) from the district AMR, with scope covering freshly prepared beverages (现制饮品制售), hot/cold drinks, and any on-site baking or reheating; if you sell only sealed, prepackaged items, apply for a retail food scope instead. Before filing, secure a compliant lease (commercial use), a scaled floor plan and equipment list, a process-flow diagram, staff health certificates (健康证明), and designation of a trained Food Safety Administrator (食品安全管理员). Your fit-out must provide hand-wash sinks, a three-compartment sink, floor drains, non-absorbent surfaces, adequate refrigeration with thermometers, a grease trap, pest-control service, and ventilation/hood and fume treatment sized to your heat source; in-store roasting additionally needs environmental filing and independent exhaust. Fire safety uses a commitment system for small venues; prepare evacuation diagrams, emergency lights, and extinguisher records. Submit online via Beijing AMR, expect an on-site inspection checking clean/dirty flow, temperature logs, supplier licenses and traceability, chemical labeling, and allergen signage. Typical timeline: 1–3 working days for the Business License and 10–15 for the Food License; government fees are minimal, but budget for health checks, drawings, and ventilation upgrades. Plan utilities capacity and neighborhood odor control early.
