Obtaining a license is an important part of starting your own catering business.
Obtaining a catering license is the most important requirement to starting your own catering business. Catering licenses, regulated by your state, ensure that people preparing and serving food to others are capable of doing so in a safe and proper manner. Having a catering license protects caterers and gives clients the peace of mind they need to trust a caterer as a professional. The process of obtaining a catering license differs slightly by state.
Instructions
1. Call your local courthouse to find out which agency in your state is in charge of regulating catering licenses. In California, for instance, catering licenses are regulated by the Department of Alcoholic Beverages. Though the regulating office differs from state to state, the application process is largely the same.
2. Request a catering license application form from your state regulating office. In California, the necessary form is a Correction/Application request, or Form ABC-239.
3. Complete the application form with all necessary information. After completing the application, go over all the information to make sure you haven't overlooked anything. If your application form is incorrectly completed it can delay the application process.
4. Submit your completed application to your local regulating office. Depending on technology in your state, you may be able to submit your application online for faster processing. Upon submitting your application, you will be required to pay the necessary application fee. In California, the 2009 application fee to apply for a catering license is $110.
5. Wait for your application to be investigated. If your completed application meets the necessary requirements, you will be issued a catering license. Your regulating office will contact you with the permit once it has finished its investigation.
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