Catering Business Permit Requirements in Birmingham, AL

Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama.

$500 -- $1500 4–8 weeks 5 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Birmingham / Jefferson County Requirements

2 requirements
1

Jefferson 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.

$200–$500/year2–6 weeks
Official government source
2

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.

$50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks
Official government source

Alabama State Requirements

2 requirements
1

Alabama 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).

Free1–5 business days (online via MAT)
Official government source
2

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.

$15–$150 (depending on certification level)1–2 days
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

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