Special Events 

It is important to know what permits are necessary to serve and sell food at a special event.  Food Permitting can be confusing because slight changes in the flow of food may create critical health and safety risks that the applicant is unaware of.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have a Residential Kitchen/Cottage permit in my house?  

Yes, owner occupied Residential Kitchens may be permitted if the finished product is not Time Temperature Control for Safety Foods (TCS).

Can I have a Residential Kitchen/Cottage permit out of my apartment?

No, Cottage/Residential Permits are not permitted in an apartment building of 4+ units. These are commercial spaces and are not eligible to receive a Residential/Cottage food permit.

Can I apply for a permanent mobile food establishment without a mobile cart or truck?

The temporary set up is reserved for a 14-day Maximum permitting.  We give reasonable extensions for Farmer’s markets.  We will not allow the tent set up to be an annual permit.

Can I use a catering permit to sign up for temporary events?

A catering permit is not a temporary food establishment permit.  Catering is a one-time payment for a specific event that requires the notification to the Holyoke Board of Health 72 hours before the event.

Can I do a deliver service from a shared kitchen?

No, Delivery services must be made from a permitted Brick and Mortar Food Establishment.  A mobile permit or temporary permit is not allowed for Delivery services.

Do I need a base of operations? 

All Mobile or Temporary Food Establishments in the city of Holyoke are required to have a base of operations.

Can I use an active food establishment as a base of operations?

Food establishments may be used as a base of operations ONLY with Board of Health Approval.

Why do I need my fingerprints taken to sell from an ice cream truck?

This is because it is State Law.

Another city has less/more restrictions than the City of Holyoke?

All local approving authorities interpret state law separately and are allowed to make more stringent regulations to protect the health of their community.

Does the Board of Health allow grills? 

Although the Board of Health would allow a grill with a cover, all Board of Health permits require approval from the Fire Department first.  If the Fire Department denies any method of heating and cooking than the applicant will not receive a Board of the Health permit.

May I sell to other vendors?

If you would like to sell your product to another retailer, you will be required to receive a state wholesale license.

Can I sell hot items of a mobile cart?

Mobile carts that are designed to keep consumers safe are allowed.  Hot dog trucks, ice cream carts, or non TCS foods are allowed.  A push-cart that has hot items that could burn consumers will not be permitted.