Each person or organization that wishes to sell or give out food to the general public during a special event is required by Oregon law to obtain a temporary restaurant license. Every food booth must apply for a separate license for every event where food is served.
This applies to any establishment operating temporarily in connection with any event where food is prepared or served to the public. Examples are:
- Farmers markets
- Festivals
- Concerts
- Fairs
- Circuses
- Carnivals
- Flea markets
Good to Know
If you do not have a food handler card and you are planning to operate a temporary restaurant, you can take the test online.
A license is not required for:
- Private events (weddings, birthday parties)
- To serve food to closed groups of people you know (family and friends, church members, clubs). However, if the public is also invited, then a license is required.
- Certain foods on the exempt foods list
See our guide for how to have a lemonade stand without a license:
Requirements
In order for us to approve your license, your temporary restaurant must have the following:
- An approved kitchen
- Hand washing station
- Cold and hot holding facilities
- Roof and floor
- Probe thermometer
- Sanitizing cloths
Food safety around animals (CDC)
Get a License
Step 1: Choose a License
Single Event License: Set up at one event, including multi-day events, for a maximum of 30 days.
Example: A community fair or Cinco de Mayo festival.
Intermittent (30-day) license: Set up at multiple events, with different organizers, as long as each event occurs at the same location for a maximum of 30 days. Example: Set-up for multiple events all at the Expo Center.
Seasonal (90-day) license: Serve at one event, in the same location, for an entire season Example: Serving at Portland Saturday market for June, July and August.
Step 2: Submit an Application
Submit a completed application at least 2 weeks before your event. We must receive your fee payment at least 2 business days (by noon) before the event to avoid an additional late fee.
If this is your first time applying for a temporary restaurant license, you are required to apply for a 30-day license. An inspector will review your application and inspect your booth on the first day of the event. Additional inspections may occur if serious public health issues are not corrected.
A completed operational plan review must be submitted with an application for Intermittent and seasonal licenses.
Fees
- Single event (1-30 days): $210
- Intermittent (30 days): $210
- Seasonal (90 days): $210
- Late fee: $100
- Out-of-county mobile unit: $25
- Annual administrative service fee for benevolent organizations): $50
- Operational plan review fee (seasonal or intermittent): $140
Tax exempt nonprofit and charitable organizations might be eligible for a reduced license fee. See:
Pay Fees Online
We'll email you an invoice and you can pay online using your invoice number. Make a payment.
Renew
Temporary event licenses are valid for a specific time frame:
- Single event license - good for that event only. New license required for each event.
- Intermittent event license - you must apply for a new license after 30 days
- Seasonal event license - you must apply for a new license after 90 days
Foods You Can Serve Without a License
Some shelf-stable foods may not require a license, if they meet certain requirements. A few examples are:
- Baked goods (cookies, donuts, pies)
- Candy, popcorn, nuts
- Commercially packaged and processed foods (ice cream treats, potato chips, pretzels, crackers, pickles, jerky)
- Canned or bottled beverages
- Coffee (not espresso) and tea
- Food samples
What to do:
Step 1 - Check this list to find out if your food is exempt:
Foods Exempt from Licensing (PDF)
Step 2 - If your food is on the exempt foods list, send us a completed Exempt Foods Agreement Form to eh.front.office@multco.us
8:00 am–4:30 pm