Temporary restaurant licenses required for holiday events
Churches and organizations sponsoring holiday events that serve food to the public must obtain a “benevolent” temporary restaurant license from Multnomah County Health Department. Each year, county health inspectors advise and consult with hundreds of churches, schools, and other nonprofit organizations, known as benevolent organizations. Oregon state law requires temporary restaurant licenses for holiday events which help to ensure safe food practices and reduce the likelihood of food-borne illness.
To obtain a “Benevolent Temporary License” an application must be completed and submitted to Multnomah County Health Department 15 days prior to the event. Application questions include:
· what foods are to be served
· what type of kitchen equipment will be used
· date and location of the event.
· contact information for operator.
After receipt of the application, a health inspector will visit the kitchen to review the situation and assure that safe food practices are in place. During these visits, health inspectors provide information on potential food safety problems that will require correction before the event.
For more information or to request an application for a food service license, please contact the Multnomah County Health Department, Environmental Health Section at 503-988-3400, or visit their website at www.mchealthinspect.org.
Posted on November 12, 2008
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