Opening a food truck in Rhode Island requires several licenses and permits. These include a Mobile Food Establishment (MFE) registration, a Mobile Food Service License, a Fire Safety Inspection Report, a Motor Vehicle Registration, a Permit to Make Sales at Retail, and possibly a municipal permit and an Event Permit/Temporary Mass Gathering Permit.
1. Mobile Food Establishment (MFE) Registration
- Purpose: This registration is required to operate a food truck in Rhode Island and apply for or renew any municipal MFE permits.
- Estimated Cost: Not specified.
- How to Register: You can register your MFE with the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation via their Online Inquiry System or by emailing DBR.CommLicInquiry@dbr.ri.gov.
2. Mobile Food Service License
- Purpose: This license is required to serve food from a mobile establishment.
- Estimated Cost: Not specified.
- How to Register: You need to apply for this license from the Rhode Island Department of Health using the "Mobile Food Service" license application. After submitting your application, you need to call 401-222-2749 to schedule your required inspection. The relevant forms can be found at the Rhode Island Department of Health website.
3. Fire Safety Inspection Report
- Purpose: This report is required to ensure that your food truck meets fire safety standards.
- How to Register: You need to obtain a compliant Fire Safety Inspection Report from the Fire Marshal.
4. Motor Vehicle Registration
- Purpose: This registration is required if your vehicle is required to be registered under state law.
- How to Register: You need to provide proof of motor vehicle insurance to the Department of Business Regulation.
5. Permit to Make Sales at Retail
- Purpose: This permit is required to make retail sales from your food truck.
- How to Register: You need to obtain and maintain a Permit to Make Sales at Retail from the Rhode Island Division of Taxation.
6. Municipal Permit
- Purpose: This permit may be required to operate within certain municipalities.
- Estimated Cost: Municipalities cannot charge a fee greater than what is set in the regulations ($300).
- How to Register: Depending on the municipality, you may need to obtain a municipal permit to operate within the municipality.
7. Event Permit/Temporary Mass Gathering Permit
- Purpose: This permit is required if you plan to hold a Mobile Food Establishment event within a municipality.
- How to Register: You must obtain an Event Permit/Temporary Mass Gathering Permit from the municipality prior to holding the event.
For further information, refer to the MFE Frequently Asked Questions and the Rhode Island Department of Health.
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