Opening a restaurant in Ohio requires obtaining several licenses and permits, which are dependent on the type of food you plan to sell and the specific location of your restaurant. The licenses and permits include a food license from the local health department, a Vendor's License from the Ohio Department of Taxation, a liquor license from the Ohio Department of Commerce/Division of Liquor Control, and specific licenses from the Ohio Department of Agriculture if your restaurant involves wholesale operations, home bakeries, or selling meat, poultry, or dairy products.
1. Food License
- Purpose: This license is required to ensure that the facilities, design, and equipment proposed will meet the needs of your business. It is issued by your local health department after all required permits have been obtained and the plans for your restaurant have been reviewed and approved.
- How to Register: You need to submit your plans to your local health department for review and inspections. The contact information for your local health department can be found on the Ohio Department of Health's website.
2. Vendor's License
- Purpose: This license is required for tax purposes. It allows you to sell your products anywhere and to anyone, including through grocery stores, restaurants, and the internet.
- How to Register: You can apply for this license online through the Ohio Department of Taxation's website.
3. Liquor License
- Purpose: This license is required if you plan to serve alcohol at your restaurant.
- How to Register: Contact the Ohio Department of Commerce/Division of Liquor Control to apply for this license.
4. Ohio Department of Agriculture Licenses
- Purpose: These licenses are required if your restaurant involves wholesale operations, home bakeries, or selling meat, poultry, or dairy products. These include a license from the Division of Meat Inspection for selling meat or poultry products, a license from the Dairy Division for selling dairy products, and a food processing license from the Division of Food Safety for all other food products.
- How to Register: You can find more detailed information and apply for these licenses on the Ohio Department of Agriculture's website.
For more detailed information, please visit the following websites:
- Ohio Department of Health
- Ohio Department of Taxation
- Ohio Department of Commerce/Division of Liquor Control
- Ohio Department of Agriculture
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