What licenses and permits are required to open a restaurant in Alaska?

Opening a restaurant in Alaska requires several steps, including the submission of specific applications and the obtaining of certain permits. The process involves a detailed review of your plans by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), payment of applicable fees, and a pre-opening inspection. The permits and applications required include the Plan Review Application, Food Establishment Permit Application, and adherence to the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan if certain food processing methods are used.

1. Plan Review Application

• Purpose: This application is required if you're constructing a new establishment, converting an existing structure for use as a food service establishment or making significant changes to the types of food served, methods of food preparation, or style of service. It’s also needed if you’re adding a new type of operation, extensively remodeling an existing establishment, or opening a new food establishment that has not been previously permitted by the program. The Plan Review Application must be submitted with a Food Establishment Permit Application, applicable fees, a plot plan, floor plan, plumbing schematic, and a complete list of equipment.
• Estimated Cost: The cost of the Plan Review Application is based on the seating capacity of your restaurant. For a restaurant with seating less than 26, the plan review fee is $400. For seating between 26-100, the plan review fee is $490. For seating more than 100, the fee is $580.
• How to Register: The Plan Review Application form can be downloaded from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) website. If you need assistance filling out this form, you can contact an Environmental Health Officer in your area. The form can be found at this link: Food Plan Review Application (PDF 165K).

2. Food Establishment Permit Application

• Purpose: Regardless of your plans, you will need to submit a Food Establishment Application. The application will need to include a menu, applicable fees for each type of operation, a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan if you will be smoking (for preservation), curing, acidifying, dehydrating, thermally processing low-acid food, or using reduced oxygen packaging (vacuum packing). You’ll also need a statement showing that your plans have been submitted for review by the appropriate department or program (if applicable).
• Estimated Cost: The cost of the Food Establishment Permit Application is based on the seating capacity of your restaurant. For a restaurant with seating less than 26, the annual fee is $400. For seating between 26-100, the annual fee is $490. For seating more than 100, the annual fee is $580.
• How to Register: The Food Establishment Permit Application form can be found on the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website under the Food Safety & Sanitation (FSS) section. The form can be downloaded directly from this link: Food Establishment Permit Application (PDF 244K). If you need assistance filling out this form or have any questions, you can contact an Environmental Health Officer in your area.

Useful Information Source Links:

• Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation's Food Safety and Sanitation Program Fee Structure
• Food Plan Review Application
• Food Establishment Permit Application
• Environmental Health Officer Contact Information

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• Food Delivery Trends And Restaurant Insights