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Food Service Establishment Permit

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Operating & Renewing

Operating Requirements

1.

Each permitted food establishment will receive an unscheduled annual inspection. The Health Department offers tools and guidance to help operators practice A-Grade food safety.
What to Expect When You're Inspected - How to Get an A Grade
2.

Food Service Establishments issued Notices of Violation (NOVs) during an inspection may receive a settlement offer in the mail. By settling and paying the settlement amount in full before the hearing date, you do not have to appear for a hearing and avoid the possibility of paying a higher fine after a hearing.
Settle a Notice of Violation
3.

Operators of food establishments must follow the regulations and guidelines outlined in Article 81 of the NYC Health Code.
Article 81 of the NYC Health Code - Operating a Food Establishment (PDF, 969KB)
4.

The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) offers a Consultation Service for operating food service establishments to help them perform well on routine inspections and safely serve their customers. Restaurants are eligible for this service only after they have received at least one graded inspection. For more information or to apply call 311 and ask for the restaurant consultative inspection service. The fee for this service is $400.
Consultation Services for Food Service Establishments (PDF)
5.

All chain restaurants (with 15 or more restaurants nationwide) must follow the rules for posting calorie content in their establishments. Additional information is available.
LEARN MORE
6.

All chain restaurants (with 15 or more restaurants nationwide) must follow the rules for sodium labeling in their establishments. Additional information and a sodium warning compliance guide in multiple languages is available.
Compliance Information for Sodium Warning Rules in Chain Food Establishments
7.

All food service establishments must following the guidelines about the use of transfats in preparing food for the public.
LEARN MORE
8.

Read how food service operators can control pests in the establishments. The presence of pest infestations in food service establishments is prohibited by the NYC Health Code.
Controlling Pests in Restaurants and Other Food Service Establishments (PDF)
9.

Learn about the new regulations on outdoor dining with dogs.
Information about Dogs in Restaurants (PDF)
10.

You can find information about food safety and operating guidelines for a food establishment by visiting the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Food Service Operator's website.
Food Service Operator's Website
11.

Refer to the NYC Restaurant Owner Manual for helpful information about key topics of interest for restaurant operators. The manual provides an overview of basic operational, licensing and employment regulations that food service establishments should consider when starting or operating a business.
NYC Restaurant Owner Manual (PDF, 4745KB)
12.

Learn how you can prevent pest infestations in and around your business location.
LEARN MORE
13.

Is your existing food service establishment wheelchair friendly? If so, then you may be eligible for a Wheelchair Friendly Decal issued by the City of New York, which you can place by your front door. Review the requirements and the easy application process.
LEARN MORE
14.

Food Service Establishment permits expire one year from the end of the month in which an application was submitted, regardless of when approval was given. Three months before permits expire, permit holders will receive a notice to remind them to renew their permit.

Operators must provide proof of current Worker's Compensation and Disability Insurance every time they renew.
LEARN MORE
15.

Food establishments must display health and safety signs. Failure to display these signs may result in a notice of violation during an inspection.
Required Signs for Food Service Establishments (PDF, 381KB)
16.

Read about your rights as the owner of a New York City food service establishment.
Food Service Establishment Business Owner Bill of Rights (PDF)
17.

Applying for a DOHMH permit does not satisfy the regulatory requirements of other City and State Agencies. It is the business owner's responsibility to apply for all other permits, licenses, and authorizations required by other City and State Agencies. Pursuant to NYC Charter Section 645, no premises may be used or occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued by the NYC Commissioner of Buildings. Failure to comply with all relevant regulations, including those under the jurisdiction of other Agencies, may result in the suspension of Department of Health and Mental Hygiene permits until proof of compliance is provided.

Ready to Renew?

Steps to renew online:

1.

Renewals may be submitted online via the NYC Online Licensing system. Registration is required. You will not be permitted to renew a permit if you have outstanding fines. You can pay fines online before renewing.

To renew online for the first time, you will need the Personal Identification Number (PIN) found on your Renewal Notice for each permit or license you hold. The PIN will allow you to link your existing records to one single online account. You only need to use your PIN to link to each permit or license record once.

If you do not have access to your Renewal Notice, you may obtain your PIN(s) by completing an online PIN Request Form or by calling 311.
PIN Request Form

Ready to Renew? (PIN required)

Renew Online

Steps to renew by mail:

1.

Follow the instructions on your renewal notice to renew by mail.

Steps to renew in person:

1.

You may renew your permit in person at the DCA Citywide Licensing Center. If you send someone to renew for you, they must present an Authority to Act on your behalf.
Authority to Act Form (PDF)

NYC Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)

Licensing Center
42 Broadway, Lobby
New York, NY 10004

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