Restaurant License Guide

Restaurant Occupational License Checklist

Restaurants require the following documents prior to approval: 

• Restaurant Operation Plan. Provide a written description of the operation of the restaurant. The operation description should include: 
  • Name and address of the business.
  • How customers are seated, order and pay.
  • How food and beverages are served to the customers.
  • How busing occurs.
  • How food is prepared (whether the food is pre-prepared or made to order).
  • Contact info of the manager
  • Confirmation that alcohol service is only available while food is being served.
• Menu. The menu must includes food and beverages with PRICES. 
• New Orleans Department of Health Menu Attestation Form or New Orleans Health Department's approval for the proposed children's menu. 
• Restaurant Classification and Acknowledgement of Restaurant Use Standards Form 20.3.ZZ.
• Louisiana Department of Health Approval. All businesses that involves the sale of food and/or drinks, Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) approval is required. Please provide a final inspection form provided by LDH. 
• New Orleans Sanitation Department Approval. Approval from the Sanitation Department for a litter abatement plan is required. Please complete the Litter Abatement Checklist and provide it to the Sanitation Department at sanitation@nola.gov. You can also contact the Sanitation Department (504) 658-2299, or at 1300 Perdido St, Suite 1W30.
• Floor Plan. The floor plan should be to scale; include dimensions; and identify the locations of doors, seating areas, holding bar, kitchen, office, restrooms, and any other rooms/uses.
  • Holding Bar. If applicable, please verify the size of the holding bar on the floor plan. A holding bar cannot exceed 15% of the floor area of the public seating area of the restaurant, up to a maximum area of 300 square feet, including the area behind the bar. For more specific information on how to calculate the holding bar area, see the Comprehsive Zoning Ordinance 20.3.ZZ and Figure 20-1 of the same section.
• Certificate of Occupancy. Check the One Stop to see the most recently issued C of O for the location. If the business will differ from the most recent business at the location a building permit will be required to change the use classification. If no renovation work is taking place, apply for a Non-Structural Renovation permit and note the change of use in the permit description section of the application. 
  • Read about Non-Structural Renovation permit requirements.
  • Read about Structural Renovation permit requirements.
  • Read about New Construction permit requirements.
  • All building permit applications can be filed online at the One Stop App.
• Alcoholic Beverages. If the restaurant will sell alcoholic beverages, an Alcohol Beverage Outlet license will be required. Apply for a new ABO application on the One Stop App. Contact ABO@nola.gov with any questions about the application.
• Live Entertainment. If the restaurant will provide musical accompaniment, a Live Entertainment license will be required. Apply for a new Live Entertainment license on the One Stop App website. Contact Liveentertainment@nola.gov with any questions.   
• Sidewalk Use Permit. This permit is required for all businesses that will provide sidewalk seating or signage in the public right-of-way. Please apply on the One Stop website. 
• Sign Permit. All businesses that wish to advertise on the exterior of the business will need to apply for a sign permit. Please apply on the One Stop website prior to installing any signage. 

Contact

Department of Safety and Permits, Zoning Division
1340 Poydras St, Suite 800
New Orleans, LA 70112
businesslicenseinfo@nola.gov
(504) 658-7125