The Arlington County Public Health Division, Environmental Health Program issues Temporary Food Establishment Licenses for special events where food is served, such as festivals, athletic events, and fairs.
Coordinating a Temporary Event
- If you are coordinating a large event with food or multiple food vendors, you must submit a Special Events Application. Information about the application process is available on the Special Events website.
- If your event involves only one food vendor and a limited number of participants, you may not need to apply for a Special Events permit. However, you must still notify the Environmental Health Program at EHTFE@arlingtonva.us or 703-228-7400.
Selling Food at a Temporary Event
- Vendors selling food at a temporary event may need to apply for a license. In general, vendors are required to have a license if they serve anything besides prepackaged, non-perishable foods (e.g., granola bars, bags of chips).
- At least 10 days before the event, submit a Temporary Food Establishment Application(PDF, 234KB) and $40 fee (if applicable) via mail, email, phone, or in-person to the Environmental Health Program:
- Review the Quick Guide for Temporary Event Food Operations(PDF, 136KB) before submitting your application. More detailed guidelines(PDF, 194KB) are also available.
- Before the event, complete the Self Inspection Checklist(PDF, 126KB).
- Note: As of July 1, 2018, temporary events must have at least one employee with supervisory and management responsibility and the authority to direct and control food preparation and service who is a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) (per 12VAC5-421-55 of the Virginia Food Regulations). Learn more about the CFPM requirement on the Virginia Department of Health webpage.