Finally got the LLC approval from the state for my small pretzel stand. Feel like a real business owner now. But then the city calls and says I need a vendor permit, plus a mobile food license, plus maybe a peddler's license? I thought the LLC was the hard part. Has anyone dealt with this? I'm in a suburb of Columbus if that helps.
licensing
My Ohio LLC was approved, but the city wants a vendor permit
Ha, welcome to Ohio. The LLC is just the appetizer. City permits are the main course. And dessert is the fire inspector.
Pretzels are food, so yeah you'll need the food license. Vendor permit is usually separate though. Who exactly called you?
Did they say if the vendor permit is from the city or the county health dept? Those are two very different lines. Mobile food license sounds like county health. Peddler's license is sometimes only for door-to-door stuff, not a fixed stand. I'd double-check that one.
Also, 'peddler's license' sounds like something from 1892. Does it come with a horse? Seriously though, ask them for the exact ordinance number. Half the time the person on the phone is reading off a generic list.
I run a landscaping LLC, not food, but I had to get a city vendor permit for a pop-up tent at a farmers market. It was like $75 and a one-page form. The health dept one is the pain. Good luck.
Why did you get an LLC before checking local permits? Not trying to be a jerk, genuinely asking. I always thought you start with the city.
I did check, but the city website has a 'start a business' page that just links to the state LLC page. The permit stuff is buried under 'special events.' Live and learn I guess.
Check if your suburb has a chamber of commerce.Sometimes they have a checklist. Also some cities allow a temporary vendor permit for a few weekends before making you get the full thing. Worth asking.
The LLC is still useful though, don't feel bad. Liability shield and all that. But yeah, the permit shuffle is real.
Pretzels. Good choice. If you get a cart, make sure the wheels are accessible. The ADA inspector can be picky about anything mobile.
Actually, the ADA thing is a good point. Also ask about grease trap disposal if you're doing anything with butter. Some cities require a separate waste plan.
Grease trap for pretzels? Man, you're really ruining the dream here.
Butter is involved. A lot of it. Sigh.
Honestly the best move is to walk into the city offices and ask the clerk face to face. They'll usually print you the actual checklist. Phone people are just reading a screen.
This thread just made me realize I've been operating without a vendor permit for two years at my flea market booth. Time to go.