Opening A New Food and Beverage Establishment
Steps to open a permanent food and beverage establishment, and information on inspections and facility requirements
After the Plan Review is Approved on an Existing Facility
- Obtain Occupancy Permit from Building Division
- Obtain one of the following:
- Application for Business License from License Collector's Office
- License from License Collector's Office
- Receipt for a Liquor License from Excise Division
- Complete Permanent Food Permit Application
- Submit the following items to the Department of Health at once:
- Proof of Business License or Liquor License
- Occupancy Permit (not needed for mobile units)
- Mobile units need a letter of agreement from a commissary and a copy of its most recent inspection report
- Completed Permanent Food Permit Application
- Drivers License or State ID
- Food Manager's certificate in food safety
- Business check, cashiers check or money order for fees
- Schedule a pre-opening inspection with your food establishment inspector
Preparing for your Pre-Opening Inspection
- Designate one Person-In-Charge with a certificate in food safety management for all hours of operation (or each shift). This person must be on-site during business operations and food handling
- All food handlers must have proof of vaccination from Hepatitis A within 30 days of employment
Facility Requirements
- Hot and cold running water under pressure
- Handwashing sinks with soap and disposable towels
- 3 or 4 compartment sink, drainboard, and stoppers or plugs
- Mop sink or utility sink
- Chemical sanitizer and sanitizer concentration test kit
- Sufficient hot and cold holding facilities
- Thermometers in all refrigerators and freezers
- A metal-stem (bayonet) thermometer
- Employee restrooms with self-closing doors and covered waste receptacle
- Proper ventilation in all rooms
- Floors, walls and ceilings in good repair and easily cleanable, lights shielded
- Commercial dumpster
- Cleanable waste receptacles in establishment
- Secure outer openings from vermin
New Construction and Remodeling
- Contact the Department of Health before you begin construction or remodeling
- Obtain a Permanent Food Permit Application
- Contact the Building Division for an occupancy permit
- Contact the License Collector's Office for a business license
- Contact the Excise Commission if serving liquor
- Submit health permit application and support documents required for a plan review along with a plan review fee to the Department of Health
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