Catering Business Permit Requirements in Birmingham, AL
Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .
Birmingham / Jefferson County Requirements
2 requirementsJefferson County / Birmingham Catering / Food Service Establishment License
Catering businesses operating out of Birmingham must obtain a Food Service Establishment License from the local health department. This requires a licensed commercial kitchen (commissary) and an on-site inspection.
City of Birmingham License and Revenue Division — Business License
Birmingham requires an Occupational License for all businesses operating within city limits. License fees are based on gross revenues. The License and Revenue Division processes applications. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.
Alabama State Requirements
2 requirementsAlabama Department of Revenue — Sales Tax License
Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services in Alabama. Alabama's state sales tax rate is 4%. Local city and county sales taxes are additional and can be significant (total rates range from 5–10%). Register with the Alabama Department of Revenue via My Alabama Taxes (MAT).
Alabama Department of Public Health — Food Safety Certification
Alabama requires that food establishments have at least one employee with a food handler card, and managers are strongly encouraged to obtain a certified food protection manager certification from an ANSI-accredited provider.
Federal Requirements
1 requirementEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.
Official Sources
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