Notification of a catering business

Due to the new legal situation, it is imperative that you visit us for a consultation in good time BEFORE reporting to the "General Police and Trade Authority"!

Your Concern

If you want to operate a catering business, you must notify the responsible office of this at least four weeks before the start of operation in accordance with § 2 (1) SächsGastG. The notification must indicate whether you wish to offer alcoholic beverages, prepared meals or both.

If you wish to run a catering business only temporarily for a special occasion, you must notify the competent body in good time, but at least two weeks before the business starts, stating your name, first name, address and the place and time when it will start. You must also indicate the special occasion.

Associations and societies which do not operate a catering trade on a commercial basis must informally notify the dispensing of alcoholic beverages, stating the address and name of the association or society.

You run a catering business if you are commercially

  • providing drinks for consumption on the spot and/or
  • providing prepared food for consumption on the spot, and
  • the establishment is accessible to all or certain categories of persons.
  • The serving of home-produced wine or cider for a maximum period of 4 months per year must also be notified to the competent body as operating a so-called Straußwirtschaft (temporary catering business).

If you, as a trader, temporarily provide services in Germany on a self-employed basis from a branch in another EU Member State or another EEA Contracting State, you do not need a notification, permit, authorisation or similar for this.

Legal Basis

Saxon Restaurant Act (SächsGastG) of 29/06/2011 (15/07/2011)

Forms and online services

Please note the information in the text!

There are currently no online forms available! For information, contact the General Police and Trade Authority.

  • Public Order Office

    Mario Schulz
    Head of Office General Police Department/Commercial Affairs

    Postal Address

    PF 20 09 33
    08009 Zwickau

    Visitor Address

    Werdauer Straße 62
    08056 Zwickau

    Get in touch

    Phone Number: +49 375 833205
    Telefax Number: +49 375 833232
  • Central contact

    Postal Address

    PF 20 09 33
    08009 Zwickau
    GERMANY

    Visitor Address

    Citizens' Office in the City Hall

    Get in touch

    Phone Number: +49 375 833312
    Telefax Number: +49 375 838383
  • Citizens' Office

    Martin Birkfeld
    Head of Office Citizen Service

    Postal Address

    PF 20 09 33
    08009 Zwickau

    Mailbox is located at the Town Hall and at the Administrative Center, Werdauer Straße 62

    Visitor Address

    Hauptmarkt 1

    Get in touch

    Phone Number: +49 375 830
    Telefax Number: +49 375 833333