Guide to Operating a Food and/or Lodging Establishment in Vermont
General Information
The following materials will assist you with applying for a license to operate a food and lodging establishment in Vermont:
- Application for License to Operate a Food & Lodging Establishment
- Statutory Guidelines and Fee Schedule
- Restaurants and Lodging (pdf)
- Bakeries (pdf)
Regulations (dependent upon the license you are applying for):
- Food Service Establishments (facilities which prepare and/or serve food to the public).
- Lodging Establishments (facilities which offer lodging to the public and advertise daily or weekend rates).
- Food Establishments (processing plants, markets, warehouses, etc. which handle or store food, but do not serve it).
- Bakeries (home kitchens or commercial facilities which make baked goods).
In addition, you will need to take the following steps
- Contact the town or city clerk’s office in the municipality in which you will locate your establishment for any local zoning restrictions, licensing or permit requirements.
- Contact the Health Department to locate the Public Health Sanitarian in your area so that you can arrange a plan review with him/her prior to new construction. The local sanitarian is also available to answer questions and will be responsible for conducting inspections of your establishment.
- Contact your state Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) Regional Office (see attached map for reference) for their permitting requirements. The building owner must be involved in this part of the process. Your project must have ANR approval before a license to operate your establishment can be issued by the health department.
You May Need To Contact These State Agencies And Departments
Vermont Agency of Agriculture
Montpelier, VT
Phone: 800-675-9873
- Dairy Division - Sale or manufacture of ice cream and other dairy products
Phone: 828-2433 - Meat Inspection Meat inspection services, including complaints
Phone: 828-2426 - Markets Division Grocery stores, farm markets, etc.
Phone: 828-2416 - Weights & Measures Packaging and labeling regulations, scale inspections, etc.
Phone: 828-2436
Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation - Water Supply Public water supply monitoring.
Phone: 241-3400
Vermont Department of Liquor Control
Montpelier , VT
Phone: 828-2345
Issues liquor licenses (department of health food license must be issued first—name of both licensees’ must be to the same person or corporation)
Phone: 800-642-3134
Vermont Secretary of State
Montpelier, VT
Phone: 828-2386
To register the name of your business.
You Must Contact These State Departments
Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
Waterbury , VT
Reviews and approves public building plans, assures compliance with Act 250 requirements or other environmental laws.
Vermont Department of Labor & Industry
Montpelier , VT
- Occupational Safety - Issues involving employees, wages, working
Phone: 828-2765 conditions, and job training. - Fire Prevention Inspects public buildings for fire and safety, electrical hazards, and electrical compliance and reviews plans for new construction or renovations.
- Plumbing Inspects plumbing to assure compliance with state plumbing rules.
Phone: 786-5867
Vermont Department of Taxes
Montpelier, VT
To apply for a Vermont business tax account and license to collect and pay applicable taxes.
Phone: 828-2551