Food Service Establishment Permit

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.

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.

Operators of food establishments must follow the regulations and guidelines outlined in Article 81 of the NYC Health Code.

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.

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

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.

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

Read how food service operators can control pests in the establishments. The presence of pest (insects or rodents) infestations in food service establishments is prohibited by the NYC Health Code. If pests are identified during an inspection, the operator will receive a summons and be fined..

Learn about outdoor dining with dogs.

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.

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.

Food establishments must display health and safety signs. Failure to display these signs may result in a notice of violation during an inspection.

Read about your rights as the owner of a New York City food service establishment.

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.

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.

If you owe any fines, you must pay them before your permit will be renewed

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

All outstanding fines imposed for Health Code Violations must be paid before you can apply for or renew a permit or registration issued by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Fines may be paid:

• •   In person at the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Citywide Licensing Center (appointment required). (you may submit your application when you pay your fine)
    

  •   In person or online at the NYC Department of Finance

  •   Online at nyc.gov/business. Select Violations and then Pay Your Violation