Ice Cream Mobile Cart - Need Permits / Licenses?

[jared]

Do you need a permit from the city I sell frozen ice cream treats from a mobile cart?
If so, what department do I apply for one?

[ICP]

It is difficult to say what exact permits or licenses are required in
general because it varies for every state. To find out what your
individual state requires, contact your state government's website and
search for business licensing.
There are also different forms and background checks that have to be
performed in order to get your ice cream vending license.

In Colorado, for example, a person must display their vendor's license
on either their clothing or around their neck. In order to be issued
a vendor's license, a complete criminal history check and finger
printing session must be completed. The person must also fill out an
application form and individual history form. If the person is
driving an ice cream truck, it must be inspected by Environmental
Health and have a motor vehicle record. The application and license
fees total only $75.00, which is quite affordable.

However, as I mentioned before all states vary so it important to
check with your local city and state government. Visit your town hall
and ask about the laws regarding ice cream vending for your town. You
can also search online at your state government's website and search
business licensing to discover the requirements.

[BILL]

Contact the health dept in your town for all the info on ice cream truck permits.

[ICP]

Hey Bill - do you happen to know how much a health department permit might cost on average?

[BILL]

Every Town Is Different $25.00 To $400

[ICP]

Thanks for the info! Wonder why it varies so much from town to town? I'd much rather pay the $25 as opposed to the $400. But either way I guess it isn't too high of a start up expense.

[circusboy90210]

if your selling prewrapped product and never touch the actual product most health departments dont' even need to know what your doing, at most you might need a hand washing station (5 gallon container with spigot , anti bacterial hand soap , bucket to catch soapy water , and hand towels.) this is what most circus' need to be mobile food sellers in almost every city and state in the union . p.s. they actually touch the food product with gloved hands for the most part. so being as your only touching a pre wrapped product it's senseless to even bother the health dept. get a mobile vending permit. to disallow people from obtaining permits for their background has got to be unconstitutional as criminal need a way to make independant livings since most people will not hire them. pedophiles and rapist are going to be interfacing with the public anyway's . if they are going to do something denying them a honest liiving is not going to stop them. however I do not believe pedeophi9les should operate ice cream trucks the temptation is probably to great for them.

[IceCreamVanMan]

if your selling prewrapped product and never touch the actual product most health departments dont' even need to know what your doing

I'm sorry but this is very irresponsible to say. I sell prewrapped novelties but I DO have to have a health permit. If I didn't, there would be a very stiff fine and I might have my little business shut down. There is no reason not to get a health permit. If your freezer is NSF or commercial grade and works then it shouldn't be a problem to get it passed.

In WV you don't have to have a hand sink for prewrapped novelties but Ohio and Penn. are different. You have do your homework and do the leg work now to avoid hassle and head aches later. It may be fine for a circus to not bother with it because they are gone after a weekend and don't really worry if anyone complains or not. But if you want to sell in the same community and have repeat customers then do it right from the beginning. Trust me you don't want a problem with the law or health dept.

[circusboy90210]

actually circus' get more scrutiny than most other business. ty however more times than not ice cream bars (not scoop or hand dip, pre wrapped) do not require more than a peddlers permit. however it is wise to investigate

[Amber Williams]

Ice cream carts are enormously popular during the spring and summer months, especially with young children. Many people choose to supplement their annual income by becoming ice cream entrepreneurs during the hottest time of the year. Fortunately, it is not too difficult to find the equipment needed to break into this profitable summer business. After all, an ice cream cart is essentially a freezer on wheels. Pre-built carts are available, but they can be quite expensive. This guide will show you the most economical way to break into the business of ice cream vending.
For more instructions just click on:http://www.ehow.com/how_5046211_build-ice-cream-cart.html
Regards
Amber Williams
www.datarecoverysoftware.com