To open a food truck in the state of Arkansas, you need to obtain several permits and licenses. These include a permit from the Arkansas Department of Health, a Temporary Food Service Permit, approval of your kitchen plans by the state or county sanitarian, and if you plan to serve alcohol, a permit from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division. If you're operating in North Little Rock, additional licenses and permits are required, including a Fire Inspection, a Health Inspection, written permission from the property owner, a North Little Rock Business License, and a North Little Rock Advertising & Promotion Permit.
1. Permit from the Arkansas Department of Health
- Purpose: This permit is required for any food sold to the public that requires temperature control to remain safe.
- Estimated Cost: The plan review fee is equal to 1% of the total estimated cost, not less than $50 and not to exceed $500. Once your facility is open, you will be billed annually for your $35 permit fee.
- How to Register: Submit a retail food plan review to the Arkansas Department of Health, Environmental Health Protection Branch. The plans should include ceiling, wall and floor schedules, service area information, door and window specifications, menu, Standard Operating Procedures, and Equipment schedules. A plumbing review is also required for new facilities.
2. Temporary Food Service Permit
- Purpose: This permit is required for each Temporary Food Establishment (TFE) in operation for profit during an event open to the public.
- Estimated Cost: The cost of a Temporary Food Service Permit is $5.00 per operational day.
- How to Register: Obtain a permit from the Local Department of Health. The TFE will be inspected and approved by the Local Environmental Health Specialist before a permit can be issued.
3. Kitchen Plan Approval
- Purpose: To get your kitchen plans approved by the state or county sanitarian, an on-site inspector of restaurants and food preparation facilities.
- Estimated Cost: Not specified.
- How to Register: Contact the Division of Environmental Health Protection, Arkansas Department of Health.
4. Alcoholic Beverage Control Division Permit
- Purpose: Required if you plan to serve alcohol.
- Estimated Cost: Fees range from $40 to $1,000, plus a federal occupational tax of approximately $250.
- How to Register: Attend a 4-hour educational seminar conducted twice monthly by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (ABC). After attending, you can apply for a permit.
5. North Little Rock Business License
- Purpose: Required to operate a food truck in North Little Rock.
- Estimated Cost: Not specified.
- How to Register: Obtain from the North Little Rock City Clerk & Treasurer’s Office.
6. North Little Rock Advertising & Promotion Permit
- Purpose: Required to operate a food truck in North Little Rock.
- Estimated Cost: Not specified.
- How to Register: Obtain from the North Little Rock Advertising & Promotion Commission.
For more information, you can refer to the following sources:
- Arkansas Department of Health
- Temporary Food Service Guidelines
- State Requirements
- North Little Rock Business Licenses and Taxes
Learn more about local food delivery trends and insights:
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