Catering Business Permit Requirements in New Orleans, LA
Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in New Orleans, Orleans County, Louisiana.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .
New Orleans / Orleans County Requirements
2 requirementsOrleans County / New Orleans Catering / Food Service Establishment License
Catering businesses operating out of New Orleans must obtain a Food Service Establishment License from the local health department. This requires a licensed commercial kitchen (commissary) and an on-site inspection.
City of New Orleans Bureau of Revenue / Department of Safety and Permits — Business License
New Orleans requires a City Business License (Annual Business Tax) and a Certificate of Occupancy for all businesses. The Bureau of Revenue handles business taxes; the Department of Safety and Permits handles occupancy and zoning. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.
Louisiana State Requirements
2 requirementsLouisiana Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Registration
Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Louisiana. Louisiana's state sales tax rate is 4.45%. Louisiana has a complex tax structure with local parish sales taxes that can bring the total rate to 8–12%. Register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue and separately with each applicable parish.
Louisiana Department of Health — Certified Food Protection Manager Requirement
Louisiana requires at least one certified food protection manager per food establishment. Must pass an ANSI-accredited exam such as ServSafe.
Federal Requirements
1 requirementEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.
Official Sources
Related Guides
Other business types in New Orleans, LA
- Auto Repair Shop Permit Requirements in New Orleans, LA
- Barber Shop Permit Requirements in New Orleans, LA
- Bookkeeping Permit Requirements in New Orleans, LA
- Cleaning Service Permit Requirements in New Orleans, LA
- Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in New Orleans, LA
- Dog Grooming Salon Permit Requirements in New Orleans, LA
Catering Business in other cities
- Catering Business Permit Requirements in Aberdeen, SD
- Catering Business Permit Requirements in Albuquerque, NM
- Catering Business Permit Requirements in Anchorage, AK
- Catering Business Permit Requirements in Annapolis, MD
- Catering Business Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA
- Catering Business Permit Requirements in Austin, TX