Restaurants & licensing

Restaurant fuel fire safety: LPG, town gas, electricity and charcoal

Before choosing restaurant fuel, check the kitchen location, storage and ventilation. Understand basement restrictions and why dining-area cooking needs a separate review.

Last reviewed19 September 20263 min readPublished by Chung Kwun Cypress Fire Engineering Group

If there is fire or immediate danger

Leave the premises using a safe route and call Hong Kong emergency services on 999. Do not remain to investigate or use a lift.

Legal information

This guide helps with initial planning; it is not legal advice or an engineering assessment of your premises. Confirm the requirements against the use, approved plans, licence conditions, written directions and current official documents.

Quick answers

Does switching to electric cooking remove fire requirements?

No. Fuel is one part of the assessment. Layout, ventilation, equipment and licence conditions still matter, and electrical capacity and installation need appropriate specialists.

Review fuel together with the kitchen location

FSD's restaurant fuel guidance prohibits LPG in basement kitchens. Electricity, town gas and other fuels are treated differently, so confirm the applicable conditions before ordering cooking equipment.

Mark each appliance's model, fuel and intended position on the plan, including whether it is beside customers. This gives the project team a practical basis for reviewing installation, storage and specialist responsibilities.

Include storage, extraction and supply arrangements

Solid fuels such as charcoal can bring chimney and emission issues into the project. FSD's fuel guidance notes that approval from the Environmental Protection Department may be needed for smoke emissions from certain fuels.

When comparing options, ask suppliers to explain delivery routes, storage and cleaning access. Separate fire, gas and electrical responsibilities so an appliance quotation is not mistaken for a complete installation package.

Review changes before adding or replacing appliances

Kitchen cooking, dining-area warming, hotpot tables and outdoor seating may be subject to different documents. A fuel permitted in one kitchen arrangement should not be assumed acceptable throughout the restaurant.

For a proposed change, provide the licensed layout, equipment details and photos, and request a list of affected items. Allow time for any testing and documentation before fixing the reopening date.

Practical checklist

  • Check whether the kitchen is in a basement
  • List every appliance and fuel
  • Distinguish kitchen, dining and outdoor positions
  • Describe fuel storage and delivery
  • Review extraction, emissions and specialist work

Discuss fire work for a restaurant cooking change

Share appliance models, fuel and locations, including any proposed switch to electricity, charcoal cooking or hotpot equipment.

  • Review the impact on fire installations
  • Coordinate fit-out, ventilation and gas teams
  • Define tests, documents and the works quotation

Official sources

The official documents below provide the full requirements and any updates.

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