Opening a restaurant in North Carolina involves obtaining several licenses and permits, which can vary depending on the type of business, location, and whether you plan to serve alcohol. The requirements are not uniform across the state, with some businesses being subject to several state requirements while others may not be subject to any. There are over 700 regulatory, state-issued, and occupational licenses and permits. Additionally, a local license may be required for your business.
1. County Health Department Permit
- Purpose: This permit is required to ensure that your restaurant complies with local health and safety regulations.
- How to Register: You will need to contact your local county health department to obtain this permit. More information can be found on the NCDA&CS Food and Drug Protection Division website.
2. Beer/Wine License
- Purpose: If your restaurant plans to sell beer or wine, you must obtain this license before selling any alcoholic beverages.
- How to Register: You must first obtain Temporary Permits from the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission. Your Beer/Wine Licenses must be renewed prior to April 30th each year. More information can be found on the NC ABCC website.
3. Amplified Entertainment Permit or Hospitality District Entertainment Permit
- Purpose: If your restaurant provides amplified music or other amplified entertainment, you are required to obtain these permits.
- Estimated Cost: The license fee upon approval is $500 and the yearly license renewal fee is $100, due annually on June 30th.
- How to Register: You can apply for these permits through your city’s local business portal.
4. Home Occupation Use Permit
- Purpose: If your restaurant is a home-based business, you must obtain approval from your local Zoning staff by applying for this permit.
- How to Register: You can apply for this permit through your city’s local business portal.
5. Pushcart Vending Permit
- Purpose: If you plan to sell food products from a pushcart, you must obtain this permit.
- How to Register: You can apply for this permit through your city’s local business portal.
6. Retail Permits from the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (NC ABCC)
- Purpose: These permits allow businesses to sell alcohol for consumption on-premise, which is applicable for restaurants and clubs.
- How to Register: You can search for the specific permit you need on the Permittee & Permit Count Searches page of the North Carolina Government’s website. More information can be found on the Permit Forms page.
7. Limited Special Occasion Permit
- Purpose: You may need this permit if you plan to serve alcohol at special events.
- How to Register: You can apply online or access the permit packet on the North Carolina Government’s website.
8. Special One-Time Permit
- Purpose: If you need a permit for a one-time event, you can apply for this permit.
- How to Register: You can apply on the North Carolina Government’s website.
9. Commercial Permit
- Purpose: For commercial operations, you will need this permit.
- How to Register: The type of permit depends on your business structure. Here are the forms for corporations and for LLCs currently available on the North Carolina Government website.
10. Social District Registration Form
- Purpose: You may need to register your social district using this form.
- How to Register: You can apply on the North Carolina Government website.
For more detailed information, contact Business Link North Carolina (BLNC) at 1-800-228-8443 or online at BLNC. BLNC is an economic development partnership with the NC Department of Commerce that provides a free service for anyone seeking to start a small business in North Carolina, including one-on-one phone consultations. If your restaurant might require an occupational license, you should also contact your occupational board. You can find a directory of all occupational boards in North Carolina and their contact information at NCBOLD.
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