To open a coffee shop in Sri Lanka, you need a local authority Trade/Industry License and a Food Premises (Hygiene) license, issued after Public Health Inspector (PHI) clearance. Register your entity and business name to obtain a Business Registration Certificate (Registrar of Companies), then get a Taxpayer Identification Number from Inland Revenue. Apply to your Municipal/Urban Council or Pradeshiya Sabha with your lease/title, layout plan, menu, staff list, and utility bills; expect onsite checks for washable floors/walls, dedicated hand-wash and dishwashing sinks with hot/cold potable water, food‑grade surfaces, a calibrated thermometer in chillers/freezers, temperature logs, pest‑proofing, a grease trap, proper ventilation and drainage, waste contract, staff health cards from the area MOH, hairnets/gloves, and a first‑aid box. Provide a water‑quality report if using a well. Obtain fire clearance (extinguishers sized and mounted, illuminated exit signage, unobstructed egress) and a signboard permit. If roasting beans or generating fumes, secure a Central Environmental Authority Environmental Protection License (Category C) and flue/odour control. Register under the Shop and Office Employees Act and enroll staff in EPF/ETF; register for VAT only if you exceed the prevailing threshold. Playing music requires a public performance license (e.g., SLPRS). Plan for three‑phase power (CEB/LECO) for espresso machines.
