Opening a restaurant in Maine requires obtaining several licenses and permits, including those from the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, and the Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations. These licenses and permits are necessary to ensure that the restaurant complies with the state's food safety, health, and alcohol regulations.
1. Department of Health and Human Services License
- Purpose: This license is required for any place where food and drink are prepared and served to the public. It ensures that the establishment complies with the state's food safety and health regulations.
- Estimated Cost: The cost of the license can be found in the fee table located within the application form.
- How to Register: You can apply for this license by downloading an application from the Maine Government website or by calling the Health Inspection Program's main line at 207-287-5671.
2. Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry License
- Purpose: This license is required if you are operating a bakery, wholesaling food, processing food, selling mostly prepackaged foods, canning, or making home food items.
- How to Register: Information on how to apply for this license can be found on the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry website.
3. Liquor License
- Purpose: This license is required to distribute, manufacture, sell or serve alcoholic beverages in your restaurant.
- How to Register: You can apply for this license through the Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations website.
4. Federal Licenses or Permits from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
- Purpose: This license is required if you plan to serve alcoholic beverages in your restaurant.
- How to Register: This license can be obtained from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau website.
5. Federal I.D. Number from the Internal Revenue Services
- Purpose: This is required for tax purposes.
- How to Register: This can be obtained from the Internal Revenue Services website.
6. Seller Certificate or Sales Tax Number
- Purpose: This is required for tax purposes.
- How to Register: This can be obtained from the Maine Revenue Services website.
7. Municipal Licenses and Permits
- Purpose: These licenses and permits are required by your local municipality and may include a Victualer’s License, a Business Permit, and a Municipal liquor license.
- How to Register: Contact your local municipality for more information on these licenses or permits.
For more information, please visit the following links: Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Internal Revenue Services, Maine Revenue Services.
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