Business licenses for restaurants and lodging establishments

Applications are evaluated based on land use regulations in the city's development plan.

If an application complies with development plans, the Office of the City Council requests input from the following entities:

a. Building inspector – who verifies that the proposed business aligns with the current building permit and that a final inspection of the premises has been completed.

b. Public Health Authority – which ensures the business complies with public health and pollution control laws, food safety regulations, and, when applicable, assesses the operation's impact on the neighborhood, including noise levels.

Once the building inspector issues a favorable report, the Office of the City Council requests input from:

a. Greater Reykjavík Fire Department – which confirms that fire safety requirements meet the department's standards.

After receiving all these reports, the Office of the City Council compiles a comprehensive statement for the District Commissioner of Greater Reykjavík.

a. If all reviewing entities provide positive feedback, Reykjavík City issues a favorable comprehensive statement.

b. If any reviewing entities provide negative feedback, Reykjavík City issues an unfavorable comprehensive statement.

The District Commissioner of Greater Reykjavík then processes the application according to the Act on Restaurants, Accommodation and Entertainment. The District Commissioner's office is open weekdays from 8:30am to 3pm.