Opening a restaurant in Alabama requires meeting several health, safety, and business requirements. You will need to obtain necessary permits and licenses, including a restaurant license, a beverage license, a store license, a state and county business privilege license, and a municipal business license. Additionally, your establishment must meet specific construction, plumbing, sewage, lighting, ventilation, and refrigeration requirements as set by the County Health Department and other relevant authorities.
1. Restaurant License
- Purpose: This license is required to legally operate a restaurant in Alabama.
- How to Register: You may need to present certification from a regulating board, commission, or association before receiving this license. All licenses must be renewed each year by October 31.
2. Beverage License
- Purpose: If your restaurant plans to serve beverages, you will need this license.
- How to Register: Similar to the restaurant license, you may need to present certification from a regulating board, commission, or association before receiving this license.
3. Store License
- Purpose: This license is required if your restaurant also operates as a store.
- How to Register: You may need to present certification from a regulating board, commission, or association before receiving this license.
4. State and County Business Privilege License
- Purpose: This license is a requirement for every person, firm, company, or corporation engaged in any business, vocation, occupation, or profession in Alabama.
- How to Register: State and county license(s) are issued by the county Probate Judge or License Commissioner in the county where the business is located. Unless otherwise provided, a license is required in every county where the business operates.
5. Municipal Business License
- Purpose: If your restaurant is located within a municipality, you may also need a municipal business license.
- How to Register: Any business entity that is in an occupation shown on this list should present a permit or certificate from their regulatory board or agency prior to being issued a municipal business license.
For more detailed information, refer to the following sources:
- Alabama's Rules for Food Establishment Sanitation
- Quick Reference Guide from the Alabama Department of Revenue
- Alabama Department of Revenue's Business and License division
- Handbook of Privilege and Store Licenses
- Alabama Department of Revenue's Municipal Business License Information
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