Health Ministry announces restaurant sector reform, eases requirements

Israel's Health Ministry has introduced a major reform that dismantles years of stringent construction and infrastructure requirements for a wide range of food service businesses. The changes, which took immediate effect, target restaurants, cafes, kiosks, hotels, banquet halls, and event venues.

The reform dramatically reduces minimum space requirements across the board. For instance, the minimum size for a kiosk will shrink from 35 to 8 square meters, a cafe from 45 to 8 square meters, and a restaurant from 55 to 12 square meters. Minimum space requirements for dining and service areas have been eliminated, and the link between seating capacity and kitchen size has been significantly loosened.

These updates are expected to enable existing restaurants to add more tables by repurposing space previously mandated by regulations. New businesses will benefit from the ability to operate in smaller, more affordable properties. The Health Ministry anticipates that the reform will lead to reduced costs in construction, rent, municipal taxes, and maintenance, alongside more efficient space utilization.

A new category, "micro food service," has been created for establishments like kiosks serving hot beverages and ready-to-eat food that requires minimal preparation. These businesses will be exempt from minimum floor space requirements and additional space allocations based on seating capacity. Health Minister Haim Katz signed the regulations, which are projected to impact approximately 23,500 licensed businesses generating over NIS 50 billion annually, while emphasizing that food safety and public health standards will remain unchanged.

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The reforms focus primarily on building and planning requirements, while oversight of food safety and public health standards will continue unchanged.