Tea Room

A tea room (salon de thé) is an establishment open to the public whose activity consists of offering non-alcoholic beverages and potentially food products for on-site consumption. The operator must be registered with the Registre national des entreprises (RNE) managed by INPI or the commercial register (registre du commerce et des sociétés).

This activity is subject to strict sanitary standards, food hygiene obligations, and compliance with rules applicable to establishments receiving the public (ERP). No specific diploma is required to open a tea room.

Requirements

  • Professional qualifications: No diploma required, but mandatory registration with the craft register (répertoire des métiers) or commercial register (registre du commerce et des sociétés)
  • Food hygiene training: At least one person in the establishment must have completed 14 hours of food hygiene training (exemptions for 3 years experience or specific diplomas)
  • ERP standards: Compliance with safety and accessibility standards for establishments receiving the public
  • Sanitary standards: Compliance with sanitary rules for products of animal origin (supply conditions, storage temperatures)

Procedures

  • Craft register registration: Application to the Chamber of Crafts (Chambre de Métiers et de l'Artisanat) within one month before starting the activity (receipt issued immediately, tacit registration within 2 months)
  • Business declaration: Declaration to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), receipt on the same day, 15-day deadline to complete the file
  • Articles of association registration: If necessary, registration with the Business Tax Service (Service des Impôts des Entreprises)
  • Music authorization: Online application to SACEM to broadcast music

Operating Restrictions

  • Price display: Prices must be clearly displayed on menus, price lists and outside the establishment, with allergen information
  • Opening hours: Subject to hours set by prefectoral decree for beverage establishments
  • Smoking ban: Mandatory signage prohibiting smoking in collective use areas
  • Meal vouchers: Obligation to accept meal vouchers (titres-restaurant) in accordance with regulations