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

To open a restaurant in Missouri, you will need to complete an Application for Food Establishment and potentially obtain several licenses depending on the nature of your restaurant and the services you plan to offer. 

It's important to note that as of August 28, 2022, the requirement for a frozen dessert license has been eliminated for food establishments and processors in Missouri. However, food-related businesses will still be inspected by applicable federal/state/local inspectors using the same processes and frequencies that were previously in place.

1. Application for Food Establishment

• Purpose: This application is required to open a restaurant in Missouri. It is used to ensure that your establishment’s menu meets all food safety regulations and is safe for human consumption.
• How to Register: The application form can be found on the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website and must be completed and submitted to the regulatory agency, at least thirty (30) days prior to opening. The inspecting agency will conduct a routine food safety pre-opening inspection. The agency receiving the application and conducting that inspection will generally be your county health department or a city health department.

2. Retail License

• Purpose: This license is required if you plan to serve alcohol in your restaurant. There are several types of Retail Licenses available, including “By Drink”, “Package”, “Temporary Retail”, “Other Retail”, and “Secondary Retail”.
• How to Register: You can find more information about these licenses and apply for them on the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control's website.

3. Wholesaler License

• Purpose: This license is required if you plan to wholesale alcohol. There are three types of Wholesaler Licenses: “Liquor Wholesale Solicitor”, “22% Wholesale Solicitor”, and “5% Wholesale Solicitor”.
• How to Register: More information about these licenses and how to apply for them can be found on the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control's website.

4. Manufacturer License

• Purpose: This license is required if your restaurant will manufacture its own alcohol. The types of Manufacturer Licenses include “Domestic Winery”, “Microbrewery”, “Liquor Manufacturer-Solicitor”, “22% Wine Manufacturer-Solicitor”, “5% Beer Manufacturer-Solicitor”, and “Temporary Manufacturer Event Permit”.
• How to Register: More information about these licenses and how to apply for them can be found on the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control's website.

5. Wine Direct Shipper and Alcohol Carrier License

• Purpose: These licenses are required if you plan to ship wine directly.
• How to Register: Apply for these licenses on the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control's website.

6. Warehouse License

• Purpose: This license is required if you plan to store alcohol.
• How to Register: Apply for these licenses on the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control's website.

7. Solicitor License

• Purpose: This license is required if you plan to solicit alcohol. The types of Solicitor Licenses include “Liquor Solicitor”, “22% Solicitor”, “5% Solicitor”, and “Vintage Wine Solicitor”.
• How to Register: More information about these licenses and how to apply for them can be found on the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control's website.

Useful Information Source Links:

• Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
• Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control
• Missouri Food Code
• StateFoodSafety website

Learn more about local food delivery trends and insights:

• Food Delivery Trends And Restaurant Insights