Who needs a food establishment license (Class 1 to 4) in Connecticut?
Issued by Your local health department or health district, under the state food code (C.G.S. 19a-36i), at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.
Connecticut adopted the FDA Food Code in February 2023 and the local health director licenses and inspects under it. Submit plans to the health department before building out, pass the pre-opening inspection, then post the license. Class 1 is prepackaged food and drinks only (many coffee shops); a kitchen that cooks and holds hot food is Class 3 or 4, and the fee and inspection frequency rise with the class.
Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.
Step 4 of 6: Get the permits for your kind of business
1Set up the business
2Register for tax
3Approve the space
4Get the permits for your kind of business
5Alcohol permits
6Before the first hire
Issued by Your local health department or health district, under the state food code (C.G.S. 19a-36i).
Sources and dates
C.G.S. 19a-36h to 19a-36o (Public Act 17-93) and the FDA Food Code as adopted by the Department of Public Health; West Haven and Meriden food ordinances; Ledge Light Health District food service pages. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.
Questions about opening here.
Yes. Connecticut adopted the FDA Food Code in February 2023 and the local health director licenses and inspects under it.
Yes. Connecticut adopted the FDA Food Code in February 2023 and the local health director licenses and inspects under it.
Yes. Connecticut adopted the FDA Food Code in February 2023 and the local health director licenses and inspects under it.
Yes. Connecticut adopted the FDA Food Code in February 2023 and the local health director licenses and inspects under it.
Yes. Connecticut adopted the FDA Food Code in February 2023 and the local health director licenses and inspects under it.
Yes. Connecticut adopted the FDA Food Code in February 2023 and the local health director licenses and inspects under it.
Yes. Connecticut adopted the FDA Food Code in February 2023 and the local health director licenses and inspects under it.
Yes. Connecticut adopted the FDA Food Code in February 2023 and the local health director licenses and inspects under it.
Yes. Connecticut adopted the FDA Food Code in February 2023 and the local health director licenses and inspects under it.
No. In Connecticut it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Connecticut it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Connecticut it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Connecticut it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Connecticut it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Connecticut it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Connecticut it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Connecticut it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Connecticut it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Connecticut it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Connecticut it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
Your local health department or health district, under the state food code (C.G.S. 19a-36i).
Step 4 of 6, get the permits for your kind of business. The steps before it: set up the business, register for tax and approve the space.
Who needs a food establishment license (Class 1 to 4) in Connecticut?
