To learn what type of licenses and permits you will need for the area your business will be located in, you need to talk to your county or city clerk. You will also want to check out the zoning ordinances and sign regulations that may apply to the type and location of your business. And how you would be selling to one employee or management

Before you even think about obtaining licenses and permits, you will need to apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number or EIN. You can do this by visiting the IRS website. They will ask a few questions and you will be issued an EIN. This number identifies you to the government (IRS) as a business owner. Everyone who owns a business must have an EIN.

Below are some of the licenses and permits that you may need for your restaurant business.

1. A License for Business- Depending on your restaurant business location, you may be charged a percentage of your gross sales, or a simple yearly fee to operate your business. You can also create your own website with the help of web-developers from this link.

2. A Food Handler’s License or Permit- This is necessary for the selling of edible goods. Each state and county have their own set of rules and amount of fee charged. You will be inspected regularly by health inspectors to make sure you are running a clean restaurant business.

3. A Liquor License- having a liquor license will allow you to sell alcohol. It is essential to have one if you plan on selling any alcohol in your restaurant business. The type of license you apply for will depend on what sort of alcohol your restaurant will serve. Many states will require that you obtain a one license for beer, another for wine, and yet another for hard liquor. The state only allows a certain number of liquor licenses for an area. If none are available you, you will need to purchase the license from someone who already has one and is willing to sell. These can be renewed yearly, unless you have committed an illegal offense such as, selling liquor to a minor, or selling liquor you do not have a license for.

4. A Sign Permit- Before you put up any signs for your restaurant business, contact your city officials to see if there are restrictions on the type of sign, size, location, and how the sign is lit. You should also get written approval from your landlord before you put up any sort of sign.

5. A Music License- Any establishment that plays copyrighted music, will need one of these. Whether you have a band, DJ playing CDs, or Karaoke. The fines can be steep for not having a music license. They usually run from $5,000 to $20,000, so it’s a good idea to obtain this license.

6. Fire Certificates- You will undoubtedly be inspected by the fire department before you open your restaurant business. They will educate you on all regulations you will need to follow, and will do routine inspections on your business.
Other permits you may need include: a Police Permit, a Sellers Permit (allows you to buy wholesale goods without paying sales tax), and a Building or Zoning Permit.

The laws and regulations of any area are subject to change, it will be important to join your local and National Restaurant Association. Keep informed on the changes in local government also.

Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on how to open new restaurant checkout his recommended websites.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mario_G._Churchill
http://EzineArticles.com/?Permits-Needed-To-Start-A-Restaurant-Business&id=717127

Early on, we worked with McDonald’s Corporation on over 27 new building sites, submitting both site and building plans for review and permitting, coordinating revisions and doublechecking to make sure that issues had been properly addressed prior to resubmittal. We also assisted with getting interparcel access agreements, and subdivision of a parcel, which resulted in a $200,000 added profit on the deal as a result of the sale of the split off parcel.

We permitted almost two dozen Kinko’s retail outlets during their Atlanta rollout. We did eight LA Fitness locations in Atlanta. We did 21 Drs. Vision Works more recently.

We permitted seven freestanding Circuit Citys and a couple of dozen Eckerd’s Drug Stores.

For a two year period, we permitted every restaurant done by Brinker International in the metro Atlanta area, which amounted to 21 freestanding sites. We solved various problems during this time, including a restaurant that had no access to sewer at Mall of Georgia, and which required an easement from the adjacent owner.

Last year, we permitted twelve Five Guys and a Burger locations, ranging from Louisville Kentucky to Alabama, Tennessee and metro Atlanta.

Our most challenging project to date was permitting renovations and additions on 45 metro area Pizza Huts to add the WingStreet concept. We accomplished this in just 8 weeks! The scope of work ranged from simple interior work, to projects where additions to the building were being made.

We’ve obtained variances, resolved moratorium issues, represented the client at neighborhood meetings and design boards.