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

Opening a restaurant in Oklahoma involves obtaining several licenses and permits to ensure compliance with local and state regulations. These include a food establishment license, food handlers’ permits, liquor licenses, sales tax permits, and possibly additional permits for selling certain food products. The process also involves adhering to local ordinances and requirements, which may include zoning, building, fire, and health department regulations.

1. Food Establishment License

• Purpose: This license is required for any establishment where food or drink is prepared, served, kept, or stored for retail sale. It ensures that the establishment adheres to health and safety regulations.
• Estimated Cost: The cost varies depending on the size of your establishment and the type of food service you provide. For establishments with 10 or fewer employees, the annual fee is $50.00. For those with 11 to 25 employees, the fee is $75.00, and for establishments with 25 or more employees, the fee is $100.00.
• How to Register: You can apply for this license online through the Online Business Licensing portal.

2. Food Handlers’ Permits

• Purpose: Certain employees in your restaurant will need food handlers’ permits to ensure they are trained in safe food handling practices.
• How to Register: These permits can be obtained from your assigned county health department office.

3. Liquor Licenses

• Purpose: If you plan to sell beer, wine, or mixed alcoholic drinks, you will need to obtain applicable liquor licenses. These licenses ensure that your establishment adheres to laws pertaining to alcoholic beverages.
• How to Register: You can apply for your licenses online through the ABLE Commission's Online Licensing Business Application.

4. Sales Tax Permit

• Purpose: If your restaurant will sell a product, you will need a Sales or Use Tax Permit. This permit allows you to collect sales tax on behalf of the state.
• Estimated Cost: The cost for this step is $20 plus a handling fee.
• How to Register: You can register for this permit through the OTC application portal.

5. Additional Permits for Selling Certain Food Products

• Purpose: If you plan to sell meat, eggs, or dairy products, additional permits or licenses are required. These permits ensure that your establishment adheres to regulations pertaining to these specific food products.
• How to Register: These permits can be obtained from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF).

For more detailed information, you can refer to the following resources:

• Oklahoma State Department of Health
• Alcohol Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission
• Oklahoma Tax Commission
• Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry
• Oklahoma City County Health Department
• Tulsa Health Department
• Oklahoma Government Website

Learn more about local food delivery trends and insights:

• Food Delivery Trends And Restaurant Insights