The Government said today it will waive, for one year, fees for hawker licences, food business licences and restricted food permits.

The policy is applicable to either first issue or renewals of licences and permits that become effective for a year from November 1, 2025.

Announcing the move, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department highlighted that the measure was announced in last month's Policy Address as a means of supporting small and medium enterprises and alleviating pressure on their business operations.

Starting from today, applicants, licensees and permittees can approach the department's licence-issuing offices or visit its “Online Licence Services” website to proceed with new issue or renewals of licences and permits that come into effect during the concession period.

For those who have prepaid fees for licences or permits that are due to come into effect during the period, the department will contact them in writing and arrange for refunds to be paid.