New York City does not issue a specific “food hall license.” Instead, food hall operators and vendors must obtain the correct permits based on their business models. If a food hall serves food and drinks, the operator must have a Food Service Establishment Permit from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). Each individual vendor inside the food hall must also have this permit.
If the food hall includes temporary food vendors, those vendors might need Temporary Food Service Establishment Permits to serve food at special events. Additionally, any food truck or cart operating within a food hall or food truck court must have a Mobile Food Vending License and a Mobile Food Vending Permit.
Food Hall operators must also meet other requirements, including food safety certification, health inspections, and insurance, to operate lawfully in NYC. Businesses that fail to get the right permits can face fines or closures.
Food Service Establishment Permits
A Food Service Establishment Permit allows businesses to serve food or drinks at a restaurant, shared kitchen, or other permanent food location. Food halls, food courts, and other vendors operating in these spaces must have these permits before they may sell food. The DOHMH issues these permits, and businesses must renew them each year. The application fee is $280, with an additional $25 fee for businesses that manufacture frozen desserts.
Before applying, at least one person at the business must complete a Food Protection Course and obtain a Food Protection Certificate. The business must also pass an inspection after opening. Operators must display the permit in a visible location. DOHMH conducts annual health inspections, and violations can lead to fines or permit suspensions. Businesses must pay any outstanding fines before they can renew their permits.
Temporary Food Service Establishment Permits
A Temporary Food Service Establishment Permit allows vendors to serve food at special events, including street fairs, festivals, and markets. These permits apply to businesses operating from temporary stands, booths, kiosks, or vehicles at short-term events. The permit costs $70 and lasts for one year. Vendors who plan to serve food at multiple events in a single week must obtain additional permits.
Businesses with valid Food Service Establishment Permits or Mobile Food Vending Permits do not need temporary permits if they operate legally at events. Vendors must display copies of their permits and have certified food protection supervisors on-site. Temporary vendors must follow all food safety regulations and pass inspections during events. Any vendor with outstanding health code fines must pay them before applying for a new permit.
Mobile Food Vending Licenses
A Mobile Food Vending License allows you to prepare and serve food from a pushcart or food truck. This license differs from the Mobile Food Vending Permit, which applies to the vehicle or cart itself. To get a license, applicants must complete a Food Protection Course for Mobile Food Vendors and pass an exam. The DOHMH issues these licenses, which cost $50 and last for two years.
Mobile food vendors must follow strict location rules and cannot operate in restricted areas. All food trucks and carts must display their licenses and permits. Operators must keep their food and equipment clean to pass inspections. Anyone with unpaid violations must settle them before applying for or renewing a license. Businesses that fail inspections can face fines or have their license revoked.
Contact a Manhattan Business Law Attorney Now
Running a food hall, food truck court, or temporary food business in New York City requires the right permits and licenses. Mistakes can lead to fines, delays, or even business closures. Levy Goldenberg LLP can help you understand the licensing process and meet all legal requirements.
If you have questions about permits, inspections, or compliance, contact Levy Goldenberg LLP today to begin your initial consultation session.