Temporary food service business permit

Temporary food establishments include food booths at fairs and festivals that operate at a fixed location with a fixed menu for twenty one days or less. A Recurring Temporary Food Establishment is one that operates not more than three days a week at a fixed location with a fixed menu in conjunction with an approved, recurring, organized event such as a concert series. The Food Protection Program reviews applications to ensure that the food will be safe to eat.

Temporary Food Service Plan Guide Checklist and guidelines covering every area of your event

• Guidelines for temporary food establishments
  
  
• Temporary food service coordinator's checklist
  
  
• Recurring event coordinator's checklist
  
  
• List of limited types of temporary food services establishments

Temporary Food Service Permit Application

Temporary Food Service Application (PDF) or online application for temporary food service using our Environmental Health Services Portal.
The Temporary Food Service Permit application also contains details about the Temporary Food Service Plan Guide and serves as your plan review application. After you submit it, your Plans Examiner will contact you about the status of approval. If you would like a hard copy of the application mailed to you, please call us at 206-263-9566.


Application for Recurring Event temporary service

Food and beverage handler permits

• Food Worker Card
  For temporary events and farmers markets, at least one person with a valid food worker card must be present at all times during the event to oversee other workers (this would be the person in charge of the event.)
  
  
• MAST / alcohol server permits (external site)
  You obtain this type of permit if you serve alcohol or manage alcohol servers at a liquor-licensed business that sells alcohol for on-premises consumption. MAST or alcohol server permits are issued by the Washington State Liquor Control Board.

Have a question about temporary food service permits?

• For temporary events within Seattle city limits, call the Downtown Seattle Food Protection Program at 206-263-9566.
• For temporary events in all other areas of King County, call 206-296-9791.