How to Get a License to Run a Restaurant
If you are interested in starting a restaurant you will need to follow several steps in order to legally run this business. No matter the type of restaurant, federal law requires you to obtain a restaurant license/permit. According to the state you live in, you may be required to undergo specific training; however, every state features different restaurant laws and regulations.
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Things You'll Need
- Health inspection
- Licensure application
- Application fee (varies)
- Liquor license application (optional)
Instructions
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Research the requirements for restaurant health inspections within your state. Your state's Department of Health as well as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration provide information regarding inspection rules and regulations. Prior to submitting an application for a restaurant license, you must first have your restaurant pass inspection by a state or federal inspector.
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Fill out the application for restaurant licensure. This application is normally available at the Office of the City Clerk within your city; however, check with your Department of Health to determine where you can find the application. The application fee will vary according to the annual gross food sales of the restaurant; however, if you're opening a new restaurant the fee will be minimal.
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Apply for a liquor license within your state if you plan on serving alcohol. Liquor licenses are handled by local city and state governments and the application procedures may vary. Contact your state's alcohol regulation department to determine the appropriate procedure for obtaining a liquor license. You will have to pay an application and license fee as well as attend a city hall hearing where citizens can speak out against your establishment serving alcohol. The liquor license process can take several months, so plan accordingly.
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Hire employees for your restaurant after you have obtained your restaurant license and liquor license (if applicable). The National Restaurant Association provides a legal document regarding federal policies for restaurant hiring. After you have hired the proper amount of employees, which will vary according to the size of your restaurant, you can now begin serving food to the general public.
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Tips & Warnings
The licensing procedures can take up to six months in order to be completed, so plan accordingly.
Never serve food or alcohol within a restaurant if you are not licensed. Doing so is a federal offense that can result in fines and possible jail time.
References
- Photo Credit restaurant image by Svetlana Kashkina from Fotolia.com
