Restaurant Permissions

Opening a restaurant is a dream come true for owners, managers and chefs alike, but there’s a lot of paperwork that needs to be filled before that dream becomes a reality, specifically, all the licenses and permits needed to open a restaurant and ensure it’s legally compliant.

Surely you knew you needed a liquor license, but did you know that to open a new restaurant you need dozens of restaurant licenses and permits before you can welcome guests?

Applying for and acquiring each of these restaurant licenses and permits involves a lot of paperwork and patience, but it’s absolutely necessary.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 16 licenses and permits you need to open a restaurant the right way and avoid any penalties in the future.

1. Register your business name
2. Business license
3. Certificate of occupancy
4. Sign permit
5. Foodservice license
6. Employer Identification Number (EIN)
7. Food handler’s permit
8. Building health permit
9. Liquor license
10. Live entertainment and music license
11. Resale permit
12. Sales tax license
13. Dumpster placement permit
14. Seller’s permit
15. Valet parking permit
16. Foodtruck permit