New York Restaurant Business License

Compared to other types of businesses, food businesses require detailed permits and licenses. But how to get restaurant business license in New York. En Hispanic Entrepreneurs you will find what you need to have this important requirement so that you can operate the business. 

First of all, we need to be clear on what a business license is. This is a government-issued permit for a person or company to legally conduct business in a specific geographic location. That is, in a county, city or state. All companies must have this license to avoid fines or closures. 

It indicates that the company complies with security and prevention measures against fires and accidents, for example. Depending on the type of activity, the market sector and the city, in some cases it is necessary to process more than one. It is not the same to sell prepared food than to serve it in a local. 

US Restaurant Business License

The business license must be based on the address of the restaurant because the cost and regulations depend on the location where it operates. Each city has its requirements for this procedure. You can apply in person (by appointment), online, or by mail.

The first step is to register the company. The most recommended is to form a limited liability company(LLC). It is necessary because the business license requires the legal name of the business. It is also a requirement to carry out any commercial agreement such as lease contracts, purchase of assets, contracting insurance policies, etc. 

If you are not going to use the legal name, you must obtain the fictitious name certificate. It is requested before the county clerk of the district where the restaurant will operate. The cost of registration ranges between 33 and 34 dollars. 

Start the license path

To start the business license application process, you must first take into account the requirements that vary according to the location of the business. You can find information on the federal, state, and county websites in which the restaurant will be operating.

In New York, a basic business license and health permit must generally be acquired. In addition to registering the company with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to have an employer identification number (EIN).

It is also mandatory to register with the state Department of Health on its website. https://www1.nyc.gov/. Additionally, restaurants must have proof of workers' compensation and disability insurance to obtain the permit. 

The manager must pass the food safety course, which is free, but the test costs $24. You must register and start such a course at https://a816-healthpsi.nyc.gov/prjFPCES/F2101_HasMenu.aspx. 

Another step in obtaining a restaurant business license is obtaining a food service establishment permit. It is processed in the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). Your fee is $280 and an additional $25 if you make frozen desserts. They can apply in https://www1.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/description/food-service-establishment-permit/apply.

The answer will be sent within two weeks after receiving the request. It must be renewed after two years. To grant it, the department will carry out at least a couple of on-site inspections. Then he will do them annually.

If you are going to serve alcohol on the premises of the business, you must request authorization from the State Authority for Alcoholic Beverages. Get your liquor license by downloading the corresponding form at  https://sla.ny.gov/forms-quick-find and consigning the long list of requirements that they demand.

For further guidance use the New York State License and Permit Online Assistance. You will have to answer a series of questions about your restaurant to be provided with a list of the permits and licenses that you will need according to that data. Visit https://www1.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/wizard/questions?section=sector&page=1&redirect=1. 

Other rules that must be met

Apart from licenses and permits, there are other regulations that must be followed, such as: 

-Certificate of Occupancy of Buildings: Whether the construction will create a new area or effect a change of use, exit, or occupancy to an existing building.

-Gas authorization: If the works for the occupation of the place include any alteration of the pipe for commercial purposes. 

- Grease Interceptor Information: Any business that produces and disposes of oils or fats must have this.

-Requirements of portable fire extinguishers: FDNY regulations require a certain number, type, and location of portable fire extinguishers in the work area.

- Extractor hoods: Installation of exhaust hoods and other fire suppression/ventilation equipment is required.

- Have resuscitation equipment: Masks must be certified for use by the US Food and Drug Administration.

- Recycling and Waste Disposal: Companies must recycle and dispose of all types of waste through an authorized transport company.

- Mandatory posters and signs for restaurants.

- Sales Tax Vendor Registration: The certificate of authority gives the business permission to collect sales tax.

- Employee disability coverage and comply with American Disability Act (ADA) guidelines.