[SIZE=7]18 Licenses and Permits Needed to Open a Restaurant[/SIZE]
[SIZE=5]1. Business License
Step one: a business license. This is required to open and operate any business in the United States. 2. Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Like a business license, all businesses must also obtain an employee identification number in order to operate in the U.S. 3. Certificate of Occupancy
Once your location has passed the final building inspection, the local building or zoning department in your city will issue a certificate of occupancy. 4. Food Service License
Food service licenses are generally issued by the city or county health department. The health department will make an in-person visit to your establishment to ensure that you are following all restaurant food safety regulations. Once this license is obtained, the health department will continue to make regular visits to inspect your restaurant. 5. Sign Permit
Before you put up any signs to draw attention to your restaurant, you will need a sign permit from the city government. 6. Music License[/SIZE]
To play music in your restaurant, you’ll need a music license to avoid copyright infringement. This includes live music, as well as music from a CD, or streaming service.
The fines for playing copyrighted music without a license can range from $750 to $30,000
[SIZE=5]7. Resale Permit
A resale permit allows your restaurant to make certain nontaxable purchases (wholesale food inventory, for example) if these items are purchased for use in the manufacture of products for resale (meals). This way, resale certificates prevent the double collection of sales tax on these types of products; rather than collecting sales tax on the product when you buy it, it’s collected when your customer buys it. The state then requires the business to report regularly on sales tax collected and pay it to the state. 8. Building Health Permit
Your building will also have to be inspected for the building health permit. The location will be subject to periodic health inspections to ensure the location is sanitary. 9. Employee Health Permit
Not only does the building need a health permit; the employees handling food and beverages need one too. Usually, employees must complete a state-approved food handler’s course and purchase a food handler’s permit. 10. Seller’s Permit
A seller’s permit allows a state to identify a business as a collector of sales tax. 11. Liquor License
If you plan to serve alcoholic beverages, you will need to apply for a liquor license. In certain states, you may be required to apply for both a liquor license and a beer and wine license. 12. Valet Parking Permit
If you are planning on opening a fine dining or full-service restaurant, you may wish to offer valet parking to guests. However, in many states you will need to apply for a valet parking permit in order to do so. 13. Dumpster Placement Permit
the dumpster placement permit allows your restaurant to situate a state dumpster outside your kitchen, where chefs can dispose of food waste. 14. Live Entertainment License
If you plan to host live events in your restaurant or bar, then you will need to apply for a live entertainment license. 15. Pool Table License
restaurants and bars need to apply for a pool table license in order to offer a pool table to customers. 16. Waste disposal permit [SIZE=5]17. Fire certificate[/SIZE] [SIZE=5]18. Covid certificate[/SIZE][/SIZE]