To open a restaurant in Arizona you will need to apply for several permits and licenses. These include a Food Establishment: Fixed/Permanent Permit, Public Accommodations Permit, Mobile Food Permit, various Drinking Water Permits, and a Transaction Privilege Tax License. You will also need to register your business with the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The specific permits and licenses required may vary depending on the nature of your restaurant.
1. Food Establishment: Fixed/Permanent Permit
- Purpose: This permit is required for all fixed or permanent food establishments.
- How to Register: You can apply for this permit online through the Maricopa County website.
2. Public Accommodations Permit
- Purpose: This permit is required for establishments that provide lodging, food, or other services to the public.
- Estimated Cost: For a new business with no new construction, the fee is $245. If there's minor review/modification/addition/construction, the fee is $245 per permit. For new construction or a major remodel, the fee is $680 per permit.
- How to Register: You can apply for this permit online through the Maricopa County website.
3. Mobile Food Permit
- Purpose: If your restaurant will also have a mobile food service, you will need this permit.
- Estimated Cost: The annual permit fee for Mobile Food Type I is $120/year/unit, for Mobile Food Type II is $240/year/unit, and for Mobile Food Type III is $610/year/unit.
- How to Register: You can apply for this permit online through the Maricopa County website.
4. Drinking Water Permits
- Purpose: These permits are required if your restaurant will be sourcing its own water or will be part of a public water system.
- How to Register: You can apply for these permits online through the Maricopa County website.
5. Transaction Privilege Tax License
- Purpose: This license is required for businesses selling a product or engaging in a service subject to transaction privilege tax in Arizona.
- How to Register: You can apply for this license online through the Arizona Department of Revenue website.
6. Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Purpose: As an employer, you must withhold employment taxes from your employee’s wages. To do so, you need an EIN.
- How to Register: You can apply for an EIN online through the IRS website.
For more information, you can refer to the following resources:
- Maricopa County Food Permits
- Maricopa County Permits
- Arizona Department of Revenue
- Arizona Business One Stop portal
- Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) Small Business Services’ Checklist Program
- 'Ten Steps to Starting a Business in Arizona'
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