Food Sales and Service Policies for Special Events

Overview

As the event organizer, you are responsible for making sure all of your food vendors obtain the necessary permits to be compliant with local regulations. Traditionally each food vendor needs a temporary food permit, which can only be obtained once you receive your special event permit.

Information for Event Organizers

In the special event permit application, organizers must submit a list of all vendors that will be at the event. Include the following information per vendor:

• Business Name
• Business Address
• Federal ID #
• Not for Profit - 501c3 number
• What they will be selling

All vendors selling food must get a Temporary Health Food Permit. It must be displayed in their booth. As the event organizer, you are responsible for ensuring all your vendors have the proper permits.

Information for Food Vendors

Selling or Serving Food at a Special Event

• Applicants must apply for vendor's permit or waiver at the License Collector's Office prior to applying for temporary food permit.
• If you are operating within a festival zone, approval from the event organizer must be provided. This is usually done by having the event organizer include the vendor on their approved list.
• Temporary food permits are issued based on criteria for the applicable type or permit. To determine which permit to seek, visit the Temporary Food Permit Criteria page.
• Temporary food permit applicants must have at least one person on site who has completed the Food Safety Training successfully on site at all times for the duration of the permit.
• Food vendors will be given a copy of the outdoor festival requirements that must be followed.
• Food operations are subject to inspection by the Food Control Staff.
• All food sold or given away must be prepared on site, be commercially prepared, or come from an establishment under inspection.

Once you have received vendor's permit or waiver from the License Collector's Office, apply online or in person at least two (2) business days in advance of the event.

Bring the following:

• Vendor's license or waiver from the License Collector (waiver is usually forwarded to the Health Department by License Collector)
• A picture I.D. (such as driver's license, state I.D., military I.D., etc.),
• A business check, cashier's check, or money order for the appropriate amount.

Temporary food permit fees are based on the type of permit requested. For information on fees, please visit the Temporary Food Permit page.