Event food sponsor permit
Event types
Public events
Most events are public events, including ticketed events.
Your event is a public event if general members of the public can do either of the following:
- Purchase tickets
- Attend for free
Public events that sell or give away food or beverages need an event food sponsor permit.
Food or beverages at public events
If your public event will sell or give away food or beverages, you will need an event food sponsor permit.
- This includes sampling (marketing) of food or beverage products, or both.
- Selling or giving away food or beverages without a permit will result in closure and a fine.
Private events
Private events are those that only a pre-defined group of people are invited to or can attend.
Examples:
- Family reunions
- Club or team celebrations
- Employee appreciation dinners
Private events do not require food permits.
Sponsoring a public event
Event food sponsor responsibilities
Minneapolis hosts many events that require approval. During the busy summer months, we encourage you to turn in all applications and fees as early as possible.
Event food sponsors must:
- Complete all sections of the event food sponsor permit application
- Submit all completed applications and fees for short term food vendors
- Submit completed applications two weeks before the first day of your event
As the event food sponsor, you may also provide food or beverages or both.
Green To Go
Minneapolis has rules about containers for prepared food.
Food and beverages prepared to be:
- Eaten immediately off-site or
- Taken to-go
Must be in containers that are:
- Reusable
- Recyclable or
- Compostable
Applications and fees
Event food sponsor application
- If you are also providing food at the event, you will need to have your Minneapolis permit or license number.
- If you do not have a permit or license, you will need to fill out a short term food vendor permit application.
Short term food permit application
- If you are serving food, include your short-term food vendor permit application.
- Include applications from all other short term permit food vendors.
- The application is available in English and Spanish
Event food sponsor permit fees
| Number of food or beverage vendors | Standard fee |
|---|---|
| 1 to 10 vendors | $100 |
| 11 to 20 vendors | $194 |
| 21 or more vendors | $289 |
- Events at the Minneapolis Convention Center are half of the standard fee.
- Fees are doubled for late applications.
Short-term food permit fees
| Event location | Standard fee |
|---|---|
| Public events in the City of Minneapolis | $100 |
| Public events at the Minneapolis Convention Center | $50 |
Fees are doubled for late applications.
Seasonal food permit fees
$257 for an annual seasonal food permit (April 1 - March 31).
Statewide hospitality fee
The State of Minnesota is now charging an additional fee for all food vendors that request permits in the city of Minneapolis.
The additional fee is $50.
Other City fees
Payments
Pay by phone
You can pay fees by credit card. City staff will call you to get your payment information.
Pay by mail
You can pay fees by check via mail. Make checks payable to: Minneapolis Finance
Payment processing
Payments will be processed after your application has been reviewed.
Late fees will be charged if you submit your application less than two weeks before your event begins.
Applications and payments submitted less than two days before your event begins:
- May not be approved, or
- Could be restricted
Events that do not need permits
What to know
Minnesota exempts several food events from licensing and permitting requirements.
The exemptions are very specific. If your event is exempt, you must:
- Meet the qualifications listed in the State exemption
- Follow through on all requirements
The Minnesota Revisor of Statues Office provides a full list of exemptions.
Examples
Possible permitting exemptions include:
- Faith-based organizations
- Chili or soup cook-offs for non-profit fundraisers
- Bake sales by non-profit senior citizen organizations
- Potluck sponsored by a school
Resources
Food vendor materials
Your vendors can use our checklist and guidelines to have a successful event. Both are available in English and Spanish.
Other materials
Event food sponsor materials
The City has lists of vendors permitted or licensed in Minneapolis. You can use these lists to find vendors for your event.
If you have a question about a list, contact the Health Department. Ask to speak with a health inspector on the food permit team.
Contact us
Minneapolis Health Department
Environmental Health Permit
Phone
612-673-2301
Address
Make payment in person at:
Public Service Building
Minneapolis Service Center
505 Fourth Ave. S., Skyway level
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Mail a payment to:
Minneapolis Environmental Health
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 520
Minneapolis, MN 55415