Health Department Menu

Temporary Food Licensing and Special Events

The Cincinnati Health Department Food Safety and Inspection Program licenses and inspects temporary food service operations and temporary retail food establishments within the city limits. This includes temporary food operations at special events, such as festivals, parades, and other outdoor events.

A Temporary Food License is required for vendors selling most food (unpackaged or packaged) and beverages for 5 consecutive days or less in the same location at a special event within the City of Cincinnati. Even if the vendor has a brick and mortar Ohio Food Service Operation or Retail Food Establishment, a temporary food license is required if they plan to sell food outside their facility walls (at an event, in a tent on their property, etc).  

 

Operations exempt from temporary food licensure include:

  • Those giving away food. Licenses are ONLY required when food is being sold.
  • Those with an Ohio Mobile food license.
  • Those selling only commercially packaged bottled drinks that do not require refrigeration (Water, Soda, Sports Drinks, etc). Vendors selling any beverages with ice will require a temporary of mobile food license.
  • Those selling only commercially packaged snacks (chips, candy, etc) that don't require refrigeration in small quantities (less than 200 cubic feet).
  • Cottage food and home bakery vendors at farmer's markets ONLY. Participation in ALL other events require a temporary or mobile food license.

For Food Vendors

To apply for and obtain a Temporary Food Service License:

  1. Download - 2024 Temporary food license application packet. 
  2. Submit and Pay - Click here for online payment and submission instructions (preferred and fastest method of application). NOTE: Do not pay online if giving away food, if submitting payment less than 10 business days before an event, or if your event is taking place outside the City of Cincinnati limits.
    • Alternate method (slower processing times apply) - Mail the completed forms and check/money order to: Temporary Food Licensing, 3845 William P Dooley Bypass, Cincinnati, OH, 45223. Ensure forms and payment are sent so that they are RECEIVED at least 10 business days prior to event.
  3. Review - You will be contacted by the Health Department before the event with any questions related to your application.
  4. Inspection - An hour before the event start time, your temporary operation will be inspected and licensed by Health Department personnel. Your temporary operation should be completely set up at this time and you should have all your supplies available as outlined in the temporary application packet. No food may be sold until your temporary operation has been inspected and licensed. Download the Temporary Food Booth Checklist for a list of items needed when setting up a temporary food service operation.

For Event Coordinators

Download - 2024 Temp Food License Info for Event Coordinators.

For questions related to temporary food service operation licensing in the City of Cincinnati:        
Email TempFoodLicensing@cincinnati-oh.gov or call 513-352-2447