STEP-BY-STEP
Sell food at special events
Food booths or food stands at special events need a Temporary Food Facility (TFF) permit from the Department of Public Health.
Environmental HealthThere are two types of Temporary Food Facilities:
Annual Temporary Food Facility permits allow food vendors to participate at multiple special events throughout the year pending organizer approval for each specific event. Food vendors will give a copy of their permit to special event organizers.
One time Temporary Food Facility permits allow a food vendor to participate in a single special event. Food vendors will work directly with the special event organizer.
Cottage Food Operators making foods at home will also need to apply for an Annual or one time Temporary Food Facility to sell your food at an event.
Exceptions:
- Food trucks selling food at special events need a Mobile Food Facility Permit
- In some cases, a permit is not required for food at a special event.
Get one on one help through the Office of Small Business
Set up your business
Any Temporary Food Facility that will operate for seven days in a calendar year must follow the step by step guide to setting up your business to get your San Francisco Business Registration Certificate, establish your business name, etc.
Get your food safety certifications and plan for food safety
Annual Temporary Food Facilities must have food safety certifications:
- At least 1 person has to be certified as a food safety manager.
- Almost all others who work with food should get a food handler card.
All Temporary Food Facilities must review food handling requirements.
Consider where you will prepare and store food
All Temporary Food Facilities need to prepare food at a commissary kitchen or restaurant, with some exceptions:
- If no food is being prepared, prepackaged items can come directly from where they were purchased.
- Cottage food operators can prepare food at their home.
View a list of approved commissary kitchens.
Follow the guidelines for booth construction
Outdoor food booths need to have enclosed walls, overhead protection, and floors that are easy to clean.
Read the guidelines for booth construction.
Apply for an Annual Temporary Food Facility permit
To participate in multiple special events throughout the year and sell:
- Pre-packaged food: apply for an Annual Temporary Food Facility - Low Hazard
- Prepare food onsite: apply for an Annual Temporary Food Facility - High Hazard
Obtain permit with SFDPH for an annual temporary food facility permit least two weeks before the special event. You will give special event organizers a copy of your permit to operate.
Apply for a one time Temporary Food Facility Permit
To participate in a single special event complete a Temporary Food Facility Concessionaire Application and submit it directly to the special event organizer at least 2 weeks before the event.
Prepare with the Day-Of Event Checklist.
Questions? Ask a Senior Health Inspector
Kyle Chan - 415-252-3837
Aron Wong - 415-252-3913