How to Get Restaurant Licenses in Utah
Opening a food business in the United States requires up-to-date business licenses and permits. The states have common steps, but also different legislation in some areas and therefore other requirements. This time we tell you how to get restaurant licenses in utah
Starting a restaurant in Utah remains an attractive business idea. It is a state that has a strong economy, a growing diverse population, and a government that facilitates business development.
The Utah Restaurant Association indicated that the restaurant industry is the third largest economic engine in the state. The food service sector is expected to generate $898 billion in sales in 2022.
In addition, the state is becoming a culinary destination due to the arrival of new companies. In the last decade, banks and technology companies have relocated their operations, which is why they have called the area Silicon Slopes.
How to Get Restaurant Licenses in Utah
To open a food business, the state requires completing the online business registration through the site OneStop. In this state all companies have to apply for a general business license, also called business tax certificate.
This involves registering with the Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Corporations and Business Code, and the Department of Workforce Services. Likewise, before the Utah Labor Commission, the Internal Revenue Service and in the municipalities.
Also, some types of businesses, such as restaurants, require special licenses or permits to operate.. For example, in Salt Lake City all food service establishments are subject to health department regulations. They are required to have a food service permit.
Steps to follow if you want to remodel a restaurant
If you plan to build or remodel the premises where the restaurant will be, the process will be subject to inspections. Before starting it, consign the plans in the department and comply with the requirements of the plan review. Once the plans are approved, you are authorized to start the work.
It is essential to send the health department letters from the municipality showing that there is availability of drinking water and sewage. Only in case of newly built spaces.
It is also necessary to request the commercial license of the municipality where the business will operate. Send one permission request of food service and the fee to said department.
Then register the certified food safety manager. This certification is obtained after taking food handler classes approved by the Utah Department of Health, it is valid for 3 years.
There are different online accreditation sites to take the course. For risk level 1 establishments, nurseries and health centers, it is not necessary to have a certified food safety manager.
The next step is to submit the restaurant to the pre-opening inspection by the Salt Lake County Health Department. As well as other authorities, fire chief, municipal building inspector, Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), etc.
In this inspection, they verify if temperature-sensitive foods (hot and cold) are properly maintained. Whether employees wash their hands, wear gloves and change them properly.
They also verify that the sinks, soap and towels are accessible and functional. That employees have knowledge about handling food and preventing cross contamination. They make sure there is a designated area for workers' belongings separate from food. Even that your personal food and drinks are in a different place than those of the public and work areas.
If the restaurant serves sushi and uses processes such as reduced oxygen packaging, it will be subject to additional inspection. Like, they allow dogs on patios to eat outside.
If you plan to serve liquor in the restaurant, request a license from the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (UDABC) of the State of Utah. Complete the forms corresponding and delivers the required requirements. Please note that partners must fill out the application verification form.
Check what other requirements you need to obtain restaurant licenses in Utah in this link: https://ag.utah.gov/documents/FoodEstablishmentRequirements.pdf. Some restaurant owners recommend that if you are going to enter the business you look for a place that has worked as such. In this way you will save time and money by not having to adapt it to comply with the extensive list of requests from the authorities.
License to sell cottage food in Utah
In 2021 it was proclaimed home cooking law for micro businesses in utah which allows home chefs to sell food directly to the public. So anyone can turn their kitchen into a restaurant incubator.
This business model also requires a permit and annual inspection from the local health department. Home kitchen operators are required to inform consumers that the regulations are different from those of a commercial restaurant.
The initial cost includes permit and inspection fees and liability insurance that can amount to less than a thousand dollars. Not to conflict with restaurants, they limited the number of home kitchens per county for one year.
Utah is the second state to legalize the sale of home-cooked meat meals after California. They will be able to sell items that require refrigeration, as long as the seller informs. It is designed as a supplement to the Utah Homemade Food and Consumption Law.
If you want to know more about the subject, we invite you to read our article on licenses to open a restaurant in California.