
Food Permits
All establishments selling or preparing food for the public to buy or consume are required to have a food permit, including food service establishments, retail food outlets such as convenience stores, and temporary food operations.




Food Service Establishments
Any place in which food is prepared for sale or service on the premises or elsewhere with or without charge is considered a food service establishment. This includes:
- Restaurants
- Coffee shops
- Bars/taverns
- Catering kitchens
- Cafeterias
Permits and fees
All food service establishments are required to have a food permit in order to operate.
In addition to completing the food permit application, those operating an establishment must also pay an annual food permit fee.
Size | Fees |
---|---|
0 seats | $125 |
25 seats or fewer | $200 |
26-50 seats | $250 |
51-100 seats | $280 |
101-200 seats | $310 |
More than 200 seats | $340 |
Note: The seating number is based upon the actual number of seats present at the establishment that are regularly offered for use by patrons. Optional outdoor seating is not counted, but outdoor seating where customers are seated and served is counted.
Additional Fees | |
---|---|
Drive-through window | $155 |
Catering | $135 |
More information
Note: Establishments having both a food service and a retail food store operation will be issued one permit to cover both operations but will be required to pay the fees applicable to each. Please call 859-341-4151 for additional information.
If you have questions about food permits, please contact the Health Department nkywebmaster@nkyhealth.org or call 859-341-4151.
Retail Food Outlets
Any place selling pre-packaged, manufactured items is considered a retail food outlet.
Permits and fees
All food service establishments are required to have a food permit in order to operate.
In addition to completing the food permit application, those operating an establishment must also pay an annual food permit fee.
Size | Food Permit Fee |
---|---|
1,000 square feet or fewer | $90 |
1,001 to 10,000 square feet | $155 |
10,001 to 20,000 square feet | $215 |
20,001 to 30,000 square feet | $250 |
More than 30,000 square feet | $375 |
More information
If you have questions about food permits, please contact the Health Department or call 859-341-4151.




Temporary Food Outlets
Temporary food service establishments are those that prepare and serve food for the public to purchase or consume and operate fewer than 14 days. This includes food operations at:
- Festivals and fairs
- Craft shows
- Customer appreciation days
Permits
Temporary food operators in Kentucky, unless specifically exempted, must obtain a permit to operate and be inspected by the Health Department prior to opening.
In Northern Kentucky, the permit application and necessary fee must be submitted to the Health Department at least three business days prior to the event’s start date. In order to receive a refund, NKY Health must be notified of cancellations at least 24 hours in advance.
Application for a temporary permit: Word, PDF
Fees
Operating 1-3 days | $60 |
Operating 4-7 days | $90 |
Operating 8-14 days | $125 |
Requirements
Learn more about the requirements for operating a temporary food service establishment.
Temporary Food Permit Requirements Checklist
Food from establishments licensed outside of Kentucky
Vendors with food service licenses in Ohio and Indiana often ask about bringing prepared food items in to Northern Kentucky to serve or sell. Out-of-state licensed restaurants need to supply a copy of their operating permit and last regular inspection when applying for a temporary food permit.
More information
- Brittany Fultz – brittany.fultz@nkyhealth.org or 859-363-2026
- Kevin Kellner – kevin.kellner@nkyhealth.org or 859-363-2017
- Email – temporaryfoodpermits@nkyhealth.org