Who needs a food establishment license in Rhode Island?
Issued by Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Food Protection, at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.
The state, not the city, licenses food in Rhode Island. For a new space or a renovation above half the establishment’s value, submit the plan review package (application, three sets of plans, the menu and the fee) at least one month before construction; an existing kitchen files two weeks before opening. Pass the opening inspection, then post the license. The Center for Food Protection is at 401-222-2749.
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 Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Food Protection.
Sources and dates
216-RICR-10-05-2.11 (Department of Health food protection fees); Center for Food Protection new food establishment page and food service application; Rhode Island Food Code (216-RICR-50-10-1). Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.
Questions about opening here.
Yes. The state, not the city, licenses food in Rhode Island.
Yes. The state, not the city, licenses food in Rhode Island.
Yes. The state, not the city, licenses food in Rhode Island.
Yes. The state, not the city, licenses food in Rhode Island.
Yes. The state, not the city, licenses food in Rhode Island.
Yes. The state, not the city, licenses food in Rhode Island.
Yes. The state, not the city, licenses food in Rhode Island.
Yes. The state, not the city, licenses food in Rhode Island.
Yes. The state, not the city, licenses food in Rhode Island.
No. In Rhode Island it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Rhode Island it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Rhode Island it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Rhode Island it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Rhode Island it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Rhode Island it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Rhode Island it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Rhode Island it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Rhode Island it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Rhode Island it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Rhode Island it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Food Protection.
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 in Rhode Island? | DoorWorthy