Customers wait outside the closed KFC outlet on Friday. Picture by Ranjeet Kumar Dey

KFC had to down its shutters just after a fortnight’s business in Patna as it had never applied for the mandatory food licence.

Officials concerned of the state food authority that works under the health department revealed on Friday that the local outlet of the multinational brand had never approached them for a licence. Soon after a raid found KFC on the wrong foot on Thursday, franchisee officials claimed they had applied for a food licence.

“We checked their documents on Thursday evening. It was found that the outlet did not have all required documents, including the food licence. Any restaurant needs to have the food and supply licence in order to operate. We had no option but ask the KFC outlet to shut down,” Ashish Kumar, the designated officer of the state food authority, told The Telegraph.

The multinational chain, which offers a wide variety of chicken delicacies and soft drinks, has turned out to be the most popular hangout zone with family and friends since the outlet opened its doors on November 29.

On Friday, a senior KFC official claimed: “We had hired a consultant for all the documentation process. As far as food and supply licence is concerned, we have applied for that but we could not get it on time. I admit that we should have opened the outlet only after getting all the documents.”

The official, who did not want to be named, claimed that they were trying hard to get the licence. “It may take a couple of days,” he said.

On Friday, many customers were shocked to see the outlet closed.

“I came from Jakkanpur to get something from KFC for my family. It is disappointing,” said Anita Devi, who came with her six-year-old son.