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

Opening a restaurant in the state of Arkansas involves several steps, including obtaining various licenses and permits, ensuring compliance with local zoning regulations, and meeting health and safety standards. The specific requirements may vary depending on the location of the restaurant within the state. Here are the key licenses and permits you need to open a restaurant in Arkansas:

1. Kitchen Plan Approval

• Purpose: This approval is required for all food services, including restaurants, to ensure that the kitchen and food preparation facilities meet health and safety standards.
• How to Register: You can contact the Division of Environmental Health Protection, Arkansas Department of Health at 4815 West Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205 or call 501-661-2171. More information can be found at healthyarkansas.com.

2. Alcohol Permit

• Purpose: If you plan to serve alcohol in your restaurant, you must attend a 4-hour educational seminar conducted twice monthly by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (ABC).
• Estimated Cost: The permit fees range from $40 to $1,000, plus a federal occupational tax of approximately $250.
• How to Register: You can contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Alcoholic Beverage Control Division at 1515 W. 7th St., Ste. 503, Little Rock, AR 72201 or call 501-682-1105. More details can be found at dfa.arkansas.gov/offices/abc/Pages/default.aspx.

3. Business License

• Purpose: This license is required to legally operate a business in Arkansas.
• Estimated Cost: The application fee for obtaining a business license will vary between $50 to more than $1,000 depending on the type of business and amount and kind of inventory.
• How to Register: After verifying zoning compliance, you can apply for a business license. If your business has physical locations in other cities, inquire about a business license for each of these cities.

4. A & P Permit (For Conway, Arkansas)

• Purpose: This permit is required for businesses that sell prepared foods in Conway, Arkansas. The A & P Tax, also known as the Hamburger Tax, levies an additional 2% “City Tax” on the sale of prepared foods.
• How to Register: The permit application can be submitted via hand delivery, mail, fax, or email to cityclerk@conwayarkansas.gov. There is no charge for the A & P Permit.

5. Business License or Privilege License (For Little Rock, Arkansas)

• Purpose: To open a restaurant in Little Rock, Arkansas, you are required to obtain a business license or privilege license. If you are a restaurant or catering service, you must also apply for the 2% Hotel & Restaurant Gross Receipts Tax.
• How to Register: To apply, you can call the Little Rock Advertising and Promotion Commission at (501) 370-3205 or visit their offices at 400 West Markham Street (Robinson Center, northeast corner of West Markham and Broadway Streets in Little Rock).

For more detailed information, you can refer to the following sources:

• Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center
• Arkansas Department of Health
• City of Conway, Arkansas
• City of Little Rock, Arkansas

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