Restaurant License Guide

Restaurant Occupational License Checklist

Restaurants require some documents and information in addition to the base requirements for an Occupational License. When you are preparing to open a restaurant, you will need to submit the following documents before your application can be approved.

1. Restaurant Operation Plan. Provide a written description of the operation of the restaurant. The operation description should include:
   • Information on how customers will be seated.
   • How customers order food.
   • How food and beverages are served to the customers.
   • How busing occurs.
   • When the customer pays for food.
   • Food preparation (whether the food is pre-prepared or made to order).
   • Confirmation that alcohol service is only available while food is being served.
2. Menu. Provide a complete menu that includes all food and beverages with prices. If the restaurant is offering a children's menu, New Orleans Health Department's approval will be required. Read more about children's menu requirements here.
3. Restaurant Use Standards Form 203.3ZZ.
4. Louisiana Department of Health Approval. For any business that involves the sale or service of retail or prepared foods or drinks, the approval of the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is required. Please provide a final inspection approval from LDH. Contact LDH at (504) 568-7970.
5. Sanitation Department Approval. Approval from the Sanitation Department for a litter abatement plan is required. This includes a sanitation trash contract and a grease trap contract, where applicable. 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.
6. 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.
7. Certificate of Occupancy: Building Permit. If your business will be a different type than the previous business in the same space, then a building permit will be required. If no renovation work is taking place, then 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.   

Contact

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