New Hampshire Statewide Rule
New Hampshire Requires a State License to Run a Food Truck
Key Facts
- Governing statute
- RSA 143-A:4
- Agency
- NH DHHS Public Health
- Provisional license
- Up to 90 days
- License term
- One year, non-transferable
- Repeat penalty
- Misdemeanor or felony
Summary
Under RSA 143-A:4 it is unlawful to operate a food truck in New Hampshire without a food service license issued by the DHHS commissioner. The Division of Public Health Services issues annual mobile food unit licenses, and the license must stay conspicuously displayed and is non-transferable.
It shall be unlawful for any person, unless exempted under RSA 143-A:5, to operate a food service establishment or retail food store within the state without having obtained a food service license to be issued by the commissioner.
Full Breakdown
Mobile food units are food service establishments under RSA chapter 143-A, so they need a state license from the DHHS Food Protection Section, not just a local permit. RSA 143-A:6 lets the commissioner issue a provisional license valid up to 90 days, then conduct an inspection within 45 days before granting a one-year license. Fees are set by the commissioner through the He-P 2300 sanitary food rules rather than fixed in statute. Operators pay one fee covering both the provisional and full license, and licenses are not transferable between owners or units.
Violations & Penalties
A first offense is a violation; a second is a misdemeanor; a third is a misdemeanor for a natural person or a felony for any other person under RSA 143-A:10. The commissioner may also seek injunctive relief under RSA 143-A:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a state license or just a local permit for a NH food truck?
How long is the mobile food unit license valid?
What happens if I operate without a license?
Sources
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