Opening a restaurant in Utah requies various licenses and permits. These include registering your food establishment with the Utah Department of Agriculture & Food, securing several licenses and permits such as a beer license and a restaurant license, registering your business with the Utah Department of Commerce, obtaining a business license from the city or county where your restaurant is located, and adhering to specific requirements if you plan to operate a mobile food business. The costs associated with these licenses and permits vary, and the process of obtaining them involves different departments and online platforms.
1. Food Establishment Registration
- Purpose: This registration is required to legally operate a food establishment in Utah. It ensures that your establishment meets necessary health and safety standards.
- Estimated Cost: The fee varies based on the size of your establishment and the number of employees. It ranges from $50.00 for small establishments to $400.00 for larger establishments. There are also special inspection fees for food and dairy.
- How to Register: Register your establishment on the Food Establishment Registration Program page.
2. Beer License
- Purpose: If you plan to serve beer in your restaurant, you need to obtain a beer license.
- How to Register: Apply through Utah DABS.
3. Food Handler’s Permit
- Purpose: This permit is required for anyone who will be preparing and handling food in your restaurant.
- How to Register: Find more information and apply through the Food Handler Training website.
4. Business Registration
- Purpose: You are required to register your business with the Utah Department of Commerce to legally operate a restaurant in Utah.
- How to Register: Register your business by contacting the Department of Commerce, Division of Corporations & Commercial Code. More details can be found on their website.
5. Business License
- Purpose: You need to obtain a business license from the city or county where your restaurant is located.
- How to Register: You should contact your city or county office to know the exact standards for licensing. If your restaurant is in an unincorporated area of the county, contact your county office.
6. Mobile Food Business License
- Purpose: If you plan to operate a mobile food business, you need to adhere to specific requirements and obtain a separate license.
- How to Register: More details can be found on your local health authority’s website.
For more detailed information, refer to the Utah Department of Agriculture & Food, USA Projects, Utah Department of Commerce, Salt Lake City's official website, and Cedar City's official website.
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