Shanghai has further simplified the drainage permit process for beverage enterprises, benefiting businesses with low wastewater discharge and minimal grease output.

The fast-track policy has already benefited numerous companies, including Starbucks Coffee.

Shi Jiaming, director of the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Water Resources, announced the new measures on August 5 during the bureau's "Government Open Month" event.

Following the announcement, a representative from Yum China, the operator of KFC and Pizza Hut restaurants in the country, praised the policy as both people-friendly and business-friendly.

"We operate many stores (in Shanghai). Receiving the drainage permit even a day earlier means we can open that store a day sooner. The efficiency of the government directly accelerates our schedule of opening stores."

A drainage permit serves as a legal authorization for enterprises to discharge wastewater. In 2021, the bureau launched a simplified model known as "One Form, One Diagram, One Commitment" for small food and beverage businesses. This significantly reduced documentation requirements and made the process more accessible, especially for street-side vendors.

This year, beginning with pilot programs featuring Starbucks Coffee and Luckin Coffee, the city has further simplified the process for all beverage enterprises.

Given their low wastewater and grease levels, the application model has been streamlined from "One Form, One Diagram, One Commitment" to just "One Form, One Commitment".

The updated model is now available citywide to all beverage enterprises.

Key features of the reform:

1. Fewer documents: Businesses that commit to compliant drainage no longer need to submit a drainage layout diagram. The previous "One Form, One Diagram, One Commitment" model has been simplified to "One Form, One Commitment".

2. Optimized procedure: Adopting an "Enterprise Commitment + Random Inspection" model, businesses can apply online without the need for on-site inspections. Supervision is conducted through post-approval spot checks.

3. No grease interceptors for juice vendors: Businesses such as juice shops that commit to "zero grease discharge" are exempt from installing grease interceptors, reducing upfront equipment costs.

4. Accelerated approval: The approval time has been significantly shortened from 10 working days to as little as 1 to 2 working days.

The bureau stated that it will further streamline the application process for drainage permits by industry category. It plans to simplify application materials, optimize procedures, and enhance approval services, all to foster a more supportive business environment and promote economic growth.

During the event, more than 100 beverage businesses successfully obtained their drainage permits.

Source: Xinmin Evening News