Opening a restaurant in Mississippi requires obtaining several licenses and permits, including a food permit from the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), a business name registration, state and federal tax ID numbers, a health permit, a fire inspection, a beer permit (optional), a business (privilege) license, a sign permit, a liquor license (optional), and music licenses (optional). These licenses and permits ensure that your restaurant meets all necessary state health, safety, and business standards.
1. Food Permit
- Purpose: This permit is required by state law for any establishment that prepares, holds, transports, and/or serves food for pay. It ensures that your restaurant meets all necessary food safety and hygiene standards.
- Estimated Cost: The cost of an annual food permit is determined by the risk level assigned to your facility during plan review and will be evaluated yearly at the time of facility inspection. The current costs are Risk 1: $40.00, Risk 2: $132.25, Risk 3: $198.00, Risk 4: $264.50. The plan review fee is $224.25.
- How to Register: Request a Plan Review packet by emailing food@msdh.ms.gov. Complete the Food Permit application and Plan Review and send it to the same email address. Include a floor plan, menu, and a copy of the Food Manager's certificate in your application.
2. Business Name Registration
- Purpose: This registration ensures that your restaurant's name is unique and not already in use by another business.
- How to Register: Register with the Mississippi Secretary of State Office.
3. State & Federal Tax I.D. Numbers
- Purpose: These numbers are necessary for tax purposes.
- How to Register: Obtain from the Mississippi Department of Revenue and the IRS.
4. Health Permit
- Purpose: This permit ensures that your restaurant meets all health and safety standards.
- How to Register: Obtain from the Mississippi Department of Health in your county.
5. Fire Inspection
- Purpose: This inspection ensures that your restaurant meets all fire safety standards.
- How to Register: Conducted by your local municipality.
6. Beer Permit (Optional)
- Purpose: This permit is necessary if you plan to serve beer at your restaurant.
- How to Register: Obtain through your local law enforcement office.
7. Business (Privilege) License
- Purpose: This is a general business license that all businesses are required to have.
- How to Register: Obtain from your local municipal government.
8. Sign Permit
- Purpose: This permit ensures that your restaurant's signage meets all local regulations.
- How to Register: Obtain from your local municipal government.
9. Liquor License (Optional)
- Purpose: This license is necessary if you plan to serve liquor at your restaurant.
- How to Register: Obtain from the Department of Revenue/ABC.
10. Music Licenses (Optional)
- Purpose: These licenses are necessary if you plan to play music at your restaurant.
- How to Register: Obtain from BMI, ASCAP & SESAC.
For more information, you can visit the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) website, the Mississippi Secretary of State Office website, and the Mississippi Department of Revenue and IRS websites. If you need assistance in obtaining any of these licenses or permits, you can contact the Mississippi Hospitality & Restaurant Association (MHRA) at 601-420-4210 or info@msra.org.
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