Opening a restaurant in Vermont requires obtaining several licenses and permits, including a Food Service Establishment License, Wastewater System & Potable Water Supply permit, Fire Safety Division approval, VT Department of Taxes registration, Asbestos Program approval, drinking water testing, Meat and Dairy permits, Liquor Licenses, Licenses to sell beer and wine, and other local permits or regulations from your municipal office. The process involves submitting an application, passing an inspection, and meeting specific facility requirements.
1. Food Service Establishment License
- Purpose: This license is required for anyone who wishes to operate a retail food service establishment, including restaurants, commercial caterers, food trucks, and retail bakeries. It is required for all food service establishments that cater to the public by means of advertising and operate for more than one day in any one month.
- Estimated Cost: The fees for the license vary depending on the seating capacity of your restaurant. For example, a restaurant with a seating capacity of 0 –25 has a fee of $105.00, while a restaurant with a seating capacity of 600 or more has a fee of $1000.00.
- How to Register: The application for this license requires information about the licensee, the type and capacity of the facility being licensed, the type of water and sewage systems serving the facility, proposed opening dates, public building permit statuses, and the applicant's status with the state’s Tax Department. The application should be submitted at least 30 days before you plan to open. You can apply online at healthvermont.gov/food-lodging or mail in a printed application.
2. Wastewater System & Potable Water Supply Permit
- Purpose: This permit is required to ensure that your establishment has an approved water system, either public or private, that can provide enough hot and cold water under pressure to meet the peak demand of your establishment. You also need a properly functioning wastewater (sewage) disposal system approved by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
- How to Register: For wastewater permitting and other permitting requirements, check with a Community Assistance Specialist on the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources website.
3. Fire Safety Division Approval
- Purpose: This approval is required to ensure that your establishment meets the Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code.
- How to Register: Contact the Department of Public Safety for fire safety, electrical or plumbing inspections.
4. VT Department of Taxes Registration
- Purpose: This registration is required to set up a tax account for your establishment.
- How to Register: Contact the Department of Taxes to set up a tax account.
5. Asbestos Program Approval
- Purpose: This approval is required to ensure that your establishment is safe from asbestos-related health risks.
- How to Register: Contact the Asbestos Program Department for approval.
6. Drinking Water Testing
- Purpose: If you're using a private water source, it must be tested for the absence of bacteria (Total Coliform and E. coli) by a State-certified lab.
- How to Register: Contact your local Health Department Lab or other certified lab to test a private water source.
7. Meat and Dairy Permit
- Purpose: This permit is required if your establishment will be handling meat and dairy products.
- How to Register: Contact your local Health Department for this permit.
8. Liquor License
- Purpose: This license is required if your establishment will be selling alcoholic beverages.
- How to Register: Contact your local Health Department for this permit.
9. License to Sell Beer and Wine
- Purpose: This license is required if your establishment will be selling beer and wine.
- How to Register: Contact your local Health Department for this permit.
10. Business Registration
- Purpose: This registration is required to legally operate your establishment.
- How to Register: Contact your local municipal office for this permit.
11. Local Permits or Regulations
- Purpose: These permits or regulations ensure your business complies with all local laws.
- How to Register: Contact your local municipal office for this permit.
For more information, you can visit the Vermont Department of Health's website. You can also refer to the following links: Retail Food License Application, Facility Requirements Checklist, Health Regulations for Food Service Establishments.
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