The Arlington County Public Health Division (ACPHD), Environmental Health Program issues Temporary Food Establishment Licenses for special events that serve food, such as festivals, athletic events, and fairs.
If you are planning an event that requires support from multiple Arlington County Departments, you must submit a:
If your event will have food or multiple food vendors, you must submit a Coordinator Application with a list of proposed food vendors to the Environmental Health Program at least 10 business days before the event.
Download a list of food trucks(PDF, 90KB) licensed in Arlington.
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 703-228-7444, option 4.
Vendors selling food at an event must have a license if they serve anything besides prepackaged, non-perishable foods (e.g., granola bars, bags of chips).
- If you do not have a valid Virginia Department of Health or Arlington County Food Establishment permit, as determined by ACPHD, you must submit a Temporary Food Establishment Application (English(PDF, 209KB), Español(PDF, 194KB)) and pay the $40 fee (if applicable, as noted on the application) at least 10 business days before the event.
Mail or in-person: Environmental Health Program | 2110 Washington Blvd., Suite 350, Arlington, VA 22204
Email: EHTFE@arlingtonva.us
Phone (credit card payment only): 703-228-7444, option 4
Make checks payable to Treasurer, Arlington County
- If you are a food truck without an Arlington permit, you must also pass a joint health and fire* inspection at least 10 business days before the event. More information about requirements is available on the Mobile Food Unit License Checklist (English and Español)(PDF, 196KB). (*if your truck produces grease-laden vapors or uses propane tanks or generators)
- Review the (PDF, 136KB)Food Safety Quick Guide (English(PDF, 185KB), አማርኛ(PDF, 249KB), বাংলা(PDF, 244KB), 한국어(PDF, 716KB), 中文(简体)(PDF, 756KB), Español(PDF, 210KB), ไทย(PDF, 235KB), Tiếng Việt(PDF, 246KB)) before submitting your application.
- Before the event, complete the Self Inspection Checklist (English(PDF, 114KB), Español(PDF, 115KB)).
- 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).