A Food Service Establishment is a place where food is provided for individual portion service directly to the consumer, whether the food is provided free of charge or sold, and whether the food is consumed on or off the premises.
This includes restaurants, employee cafeterias, bakeries, takeouts, pizzerias, night clubs, cabarets, bars, senior centers, emergency food relief organizations, public and non-public schools, or religious, fraternal and charitable organizations. Such establishments are required to obtain a permit from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).
Once you apply for a permit, you can open up 22 days after you submit an application, whether or not you've had a pre-permit inspection. If you'd like to open earlier than 22 days, you can call (212) 676-1600 to schedule a pre-operating inspection.
The permit fee for most food service establishments in New York City is: