Bessemer, AL Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- License classification
- Mobile food services, schedule 8A
- Unlicensed operation fine
- Up to $500 per offense
- Willful violation penalty
- Up to 6 months imprisonment
- Records duty
- Sworn statement of receipts on request
- License posting
- Must be displayed at the vending point
Summary
Bessemer licenses mobile food operations under license classification 722330, 'mobile food services (mobile) food stands, snack stands,' in the Sec. 22-22 business license schedule, and Sec. 22-6 makes operating without that license a fine of up to $500.00 per offense, with imprisonment possible for a willful violation.
Sec. 22-6. - Unlawful to do business without a license. It shall be unlawful for any person, taxpayer, or agent of a person or taxpayer to engage in businesses or vocations in the city for which a license is required without first having procured a license. A violation of this chapter hereunder fixing a license shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed the sum of $500.00 for each offense, and if a willful violation, by imprisonment, not to exceed six months, or both, at the discretion of the court trying the same. Each day shall constitute a separate offense. ... Sec. 22-22. - License classifications. The following is a schedule of license classifications: Code 2002 NAICS Titles/Business License Codes Schedule ... 722330 Mobile food services - (mobile) food stands, snack stands 8A
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Republication).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 22's general business-license rules apply to a mobile food operation the same way they apply to any other licensed business in the city. Sec. 00 for each offense and, for a willful violation, imprisonment up to six months at the court's discretion, with each day of unlicensed operation a separate offense. Sec. 22-22's classification schedule lists two mobile-food categories: one for caterers and mobile food services, and one specifically for mobile food services, food stands and snack stands, both assigned to license schedule 8A.
Sec. 22-8 requires the operator to file a sworn statement of gross receipts, sales, equipment value, capital invested and employee count on request, so the city can classify the business and calculate the correct license tax. Sec. 22-9 lets a city designee enter the business and inspect the premises, and demand books, invoices and tax records, to verify the license classification and the tax owed. Sec. 22-7 requires the license itself to be posted in a conspicuous place at the location where the business operates and shown to a city designee on request, which for a mobile unit means the vehicle or stand it is issued to.
Violations & Fines
Operating a mobile food stand or truck in Bessemer without first procuring the required business license violates Sec. 22-6, punishable by a fine of up to $500.00 for each offense, and by up to six months' imprisonment for a willful violation, with every day of continued unlicensed operation counted as a separate offense. Refusing a city designee's demand to inspect the business or produce its records under Sec. 22-9 is separately made unlawful by Sec. 22-10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What license category covers a food truck in Bessemer?
What happens if I run a food truck without a Bessemer business license?
Can the city inspect my food truck's sales records?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bessemer
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Food Truck Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jefferson County handle food truck permits.