Opening a restaurant in the state of Maryland requires obtaining several licenses and permits which may vary depending on the location of your business and the industry it is in. If your restaurant involves buying and reselling goods, a trader's license may be necessary. Additionally, you or the professionals you hire may need individual occupational and professional licenses.
If you're constructing a new food establishment, remodeling or altering a food establishment, or converting or remodeling an existing building, you need to submit plans and specifications to the local Department of Health’s Environmental Health Office for approval prior to starting any work.
1. Business License
- Purpose: This license is required for most businesses, including those in the retail and wholesale sectors. It is necessary to legally operate a business in the state of Maryland.
- How to Register: You can register for licenses and permits issued by state agencies through the Maryland Licensing OneStop Portal. If your business is located in a specific locality, the local Clerk of the Court can advise you of any local licensing requirements. You may also contact your county’s office of inspections, licenses, or permits for further information.
2. Trader's License
- Purpose: If your restaurant involves buying and reselling goods, a trader's license may be necessary. This license applies to a trader or vendor in a fixed location.
- Estimated Cost: The fees for a trader's license are based on the average commercial inventory that a business owns, ranging from $15 to a maximum of $800 ($2,125 in Baltimore City).
- How to Register: You can find more information about the trader's license from the Clerk of the Circuit Court or the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.
3. Permanent Food Service Facility License
- Purpose: This license is necessary to operate a permanent food service facility.
- Estimated Cost: Food Service License Fees are based on priority: High - $250, Moderate - $200, Low - $100.
- How to Register: This application must be submitted to your local Environmental Health Office, which will review it with your business’s owner/operator to understand their intended operations.
4. Restaurant License
- Purpose: To open a restaurant in Maryland, you will need to obtain a restaurant license from your local Clerk of the Court. This license is necessary to operate a restaurant.
- How to Register: For more information, contact your local Clerk of the Circuit Court or call the State License Bureau at 410-260-6240.
Useful Information Source Links:
- Maryland Licensing OneStop Portal
- Clerk of the Court
- Permanent Food Service Facility Licensing
- Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation
- Maryland Business Licenses Online
- Maryland Judiciary Homepage
- Maryland Access Rule
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