JOHOR Baru City Council (MBJB) will introduce new licensing requirements for food stalls operating in restaurants starting Jan 1 next year.
Mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad said the policy update included the introduction of a licence fee for such stalls, with the rate to be determined soon.
“Restaurant owners must ensure that the arrangement of stalls, tables and chairs does not crowd the place to the point of affecting customers’ comfort or safety.
“The licence of all food and beverage stalls, food counters separate from the main kitchen as well as rented spaces must have the name of the restaurant or its owner,” he said in his speech during the MBJB full board meeting.
The number of stalls permitted, he added, would depend on the size of the premises, air circulation, customer walkways and fire safety requirements.
Mohd Haffiz said the policy would only apply to stalls located within commercial premises, including those within additional structures that had received approval from the council’s Building Department.
Operators may also be required to obtain additional public liability insurance, while stalls carrying out cooking activities must have suitable grease traps, he added.
“If MBJB finds any breach in conditions or substantiated complaints, permits may be revoked in accordance with applicable by-laws.”
He urged restaurant owners with stalls to make the necessary rearrangements before the policy takes effect.
On a separate matter, Mohd Haffiz reminded business owners that renewals for their 2027 business and advertising licences had opened this month.
A 50% penalty on the licence rate would be imposed for delays of between one and six months, while delays of seven to 12 months would incur a 100% penalty, he said.
“Ground-floor commercial premises are also required to install at least three closed-circuit television cameras, comprising two at the front and one at the rear.
“The recordings must be kept for 60 days and can be accessed by MBJB officers or relevant agencies if required.”
Mohd Haffiz said food premises, restaurants and cafes were also required to obtain a four-star rating for their toilets under the “Bersih, Menawan dan Wangi” cleanliness concept.
