Service overview
You need this license to operate a food business in a permanent location where you prepare food to be sold off-site for public consumption. You may need this license for a:
- Commissary.
- Catering company.
- Mobile food establishment that serves food that is prepared at a permanent location.
You do not need a separate caterer license for catering services that are part of a restaurant or banquet hall.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues this license.
Who
Business owners and their agents can apply for this license.
Requirements
Other licenses and registrations
- Business Income and Receipts Tax ID (BIRT)
- Commercial Activity License or Activity License Number
- Plan Review and License Eligibility Report (LER) issued by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health
Ownership information
Your license will be issued to the legal entity listed on the Commercial Activity License and your Philadelphia Tax Account. Any trade name or “Doing Business As” (DBA) must also be listed on your Commercial Activity License.
License Eligibility Report
Your License Eligibility Report (LER) application must list the legal entity and trade names, exactly as they appear on your Commercial Activity License (CAL). This information must also correspond to the legal entity and any trade names or “Doing Business As” (DBA) registered with your Philadelphia Tax Account.
A failure to accurately list legal entity and DBA/ trade name information may result in the need to amend your LER, CAL, and/or tax account.
Zoning approval
The location must have proper zoning approval and associated construction permits, if applicable.
To find zoning information, search the Zoning Map.
Tax compliance
The business must be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes.
Where and when
[text-blocks id=”permit-and-license-center-where-when”]
Cost
A non-refundable application fee of $20 is applied toward the license fee. The balance of the license fee is due once your application is approved.
If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.
[text-blocks id="how-to-pay"]
How
You can apply for this license online using eCLIPSE, or in person at the Permit and License Center.
Online
Applications are reviewed within five business days.
If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
In person
L&I can review most applications while you wait.
Renewal requirements
This license must be renewed annually. You can renew online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
To renew your license, you must:
- Be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes.
- Provide a valid email address.