Special Food Event | Food Services
A Special Food Event is a temporary event which is at a fixed location not exceeding 30 days where either a mobile, permanent, or temporary structure is used to prepare, serve, or sell food or drink.
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What is a Special Food Event?
A Special Food Event is a temporary event which is at a fixed location, lasting no more than 30 consecutive days, where either a mobile, permanent, or temporary structure is used to prepare, serve, or sell food or drink.
When and who must apply for a Special Food Event license?
A license must be obtained prior to operating. The application must be submitted at least three working days before the scheduled start of the event. An additional fee will be charged for applications filed less than three working days prior to the event.
Anyone who plans to sell or give away food at a temporary event must first obtain a Montgomery County Food Service Facility License. The only exception to the law is the sale of fresh produce or live crustaceans.
How does one obtain a Special Food Event license? Is there a fee?
Download the Special Food Event application or apply online:
- Special Food Service Facility (Temporary Event) License PDF
- Special Food Service Facilities General Sanitation Requirements (English) PDF
- Special Food Service Facilities General Sanitation Requirements (Spanish) PDF
For organizations applying as a non-profit (501c, 504c, 507c or 510c).
Please see the Montgomery County 2022 Fee schedule for any fees that apply.
What is the process for applying for a Special Food Event license?
- Submit the application, attachments, and appropriate fee at least two working days prior to the event.
- Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant.
- The application and attachments will be reviewed. An inspection will be conducted, if warranted, at the event prior to operating.
- The license will be mailed to the applicant or issued at the time of the inspection.
Call Licensure & Regulatory Services with questions during regular working hours (Monday -Friday) 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 240-777-3986.
Special Food Event Process Guide
1. Apply Online
| Special Foods Permits | Format |
|---|---|
| Special Temporary Food Service License Application | Online, |
2. Review
- Have a Plan: to ensure we can process your application properly - you must have a plan. Describe plan type.
- Review: be sure to double check all of your paperwork to ensure faster processing time.
- Submit online: We now offer a platform powered by CivicGov for filing an application and paying fees online. We provide this digital platform to decrease the use of paper and our impact on the environment. PDF applications should be mailed to the Licensure & Regulatory Services office (2425 Reedie Drive, 9th floor, Wheaton, MD 20902) or faxed to 240-777-3088.
3. Approval
If approved you will hear back us within 10 - 14 business days. The final part of the process will be to find the inspector specific to your area.
- 240-777-3986
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Helpful Special Food Event Resources
Special Food Facilities General Sanitation Requirements - English (PDF)
Special Food Facilities General Sanitation Requirements - Spanish (PDF)