What licenses and permits are required to open a food truck in the Connecticut state?
To open a food truck in Connecticut, you need to obtain several licenses and permits from various local and state agencies. As of November 2022, the Connecticut Department of Public Health has introduced a reciprocal permit and license policy for itinerant food vendors, which allows food trucks licensed by one of the participating local health agencies to avoid the license/permit fee in other participating jurisdictions. However, this reciprocal licensing only applies to health permits and licenses. The food vendor still needs all other local permits required by the town, such as parking, fire, and zoning.
1. Food Manufacturing Establishment License
- Purpose: This license is required to prepare and serve food in Connecticut.
- How to Register: Apply through the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
2. FDA Facility Registration
- Purpose: This registration is required for any facility that manufactures, processes, packs, or holds food for human consumption in the U.S.
- How to Register: Register your facility with the FDA
3. Food Service Establishment License
- Purpose: This license is required to serve food in specific areas like New Haven.
- How to Register: Apply through the New Haven Bureau of Environmental Health
4. Liquor Permit (if serving alcohol)
- Purpose: This permit is required to serve alcohol in your food truck.
- How to Register: Apply through the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
5. Itinerant Vendor Food Service License and Street Vendor Permit
- Purpose: These licenses are required for mobile food vending.
- How to Register: Apply through the New Haven Department of Health
6. Food Truck License (for New Britain)
- Purpose: This license is required to operate a food truck in the city of New Britain.
- Estimated Cost: $105.00 to $185.00 depending on classification, with a vending fee of $500.00 for mobile operators.
- How to Register: Apply through the New Britain city's website
For more information, please refer to the Legal Requirements for CT Food Businesses and New Britain city's website.
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