New Cafe & Restaurant Licences Paused in Four Cairo Areas

The issuance of new licences for cafes and restaurants has been suspended in four Cairo neighbourhoods—Heliopolis, Maadi, Zamalek and Garden City—under a decision approved by the Higher Committee for Licensing of Public Shops.

The measure, confirmed on April 28th, 2026, applies specifically to restaurant and café activities, with existing licensed venues allowed to continue operating without changes.

According to officials, the step was taken in response to complaints from residents, associations and civil society groups regarding noise, overcrowding and the spread of commercial activity in predominantly residential areas.

Concerns also included the conversion of residential properties into commercial and administrative spaces that do not align with the architectural character and heritage identity of these districts.

The decision was implemented under Law No. 154 of 2019 regulating public shops, with the aim of controlling further expansion of restaurant and café activity in the affected areas.