Temporary Food Establishment Licenses

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 ehealth@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, 1MB) and $40 fee (if applicable) via mail, email, phone, or in-person to the Environmental Health Program:
  • 2110 Washington Blvd., Suite 350, Arlington, VA 22204
  • ehealth@arlingtonva.us
  • 703-228-7400
  • Make checks payable to the Arlington County Treasurer.
• Review the Quick Guide for Temporary Event Food Operations(PDF, 863KB) before submitting your application. More detailed guidelines(PDF, 194KB) are also available.
• 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.