Are you planning a NEW Food Establishment business?

 

Before you start filling your shelves with food...make sure to make an appointment with the Health Inspector to discuss your business plan and get properly permitted.  

All new businesses that wish to sell any type of food must be licensed by the Board of Health.  The licensing process can be long, taking more than a month in most cases.  

We highly recommend that you visit with other pertinent departments at 200 Main Street around the same time you apply to the Health Division.  You should visit the Building Division to make sure your business will be permitted in the zone you wish to be in and to determine whether Site Plan Review is required.  While you are at the Building Division, please also visit the Plumbing Inspector while you are there to ensure you will have the correct number of plumbing fixtures (i.e. toilets).  If you are planning to provide seating, you must apply to Licensing at the Consumer Affairs Division for a Common Victualler's License.  The Consumer Affairs Division is also located at 200 Main Street, Hyannis.   Here is a link to their website information. 

 

A complete application, checklist, and plan review packet must be submitted and reviewed with the Health Inspector before your business can operate.  Additionally if any variances are needed, the Board of Health must review and approve the variance at a regularly scheduled meeting before your license will be issued.   These meetings take place once per month, so plan accordingly.

A Mobile Food Vendor is also considered a food establishment, and must fill out Food Establishment Application and Checklist Packet.  New vendors must complete the application packet and be approved by the Public Health Division before operating.