Review Special Event Food Stand License
"Special Event food stand" means a food and beverage service establishment which is used in conjunction with celebrations and special events, and which operates for no more than ten (10) total days within the applicable license period.
Special Event food stands are licensed by different regulatory authorities in Minnesota based on the type and predominance of business. Predominance of business means that a majority (51% or more) of the gross annual food sales comes from that type of food or activity.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) licenses food stands that generate the majority of sales from prepackaged foods (sold to the consumer in the original packaging), baked goods, popcorn, nuts, candy, and sno cones/shaved ice.
Please see the information below to apply for a Special Event Food Stand license to sell these types of foods.
If you want a license for a food stand that primarily sells the following types of foods, please contact the Minnesota Department of Health for more information:
Applying for a MDA Special Event Food Stand License
NOTE: The online license application is temporarily unavailable. Please see instructions below to apply for the license.
The license period for a MDA Special Event food stand is from April 1st of the current year through March 31st of the following year, and the cost is $80 ($75 plus a $5 surcharge). All food stands must be operated in compliance with the Minnesota Food Code (EXT) and all events must be disclosed to the MDA prior to participating at the event. Each Special Event food stand is required to have its own license. This license cannot be photocopied or duplicated to use for multiple stands within the same event, or on the same day at multiple locations.
Read the Special Event Application Guide before you apply for a license. It describes the food safety and personal hygiene requirements of operating a Special Event food stand and what information is needed to apply for a license.
To apply for a Special Event food stand license:
In order to ensure receipt of your license prior to a special event, license applications and fees should be submitted at least 14 days prior to operating a special event food stand.
Refer to Special Event Food Stand License Application Guide
Important Notice: License and Permit Surcharge
As part of MDA's ongoing efforts to improve their services, the MDA is introducing a license and permit surcharge (Minn. Stat. § 17.033). This surcharge is an application processing charge that was added to all licensing and permitting applications and renewals beginning Jan. 1, 2025. The surcharge will be calculated as 5% of the license or permit fee, with a minimum charge of $5.
The surcharge is supporting the modernization of MDA's technology systems, which will provide better online services and more efficient processing of applications. The collected funds will be dedicated to upgrading electronic systems, making it easier for people to interact with the MDA and access services.
| Gross Annual Sales | New License Fee | No-License Penalty | Total if Operating
without a License |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0-$50,000 | $77 | $51 | $128 |
| $50,001-$250,000 | $155 | $102 | $257 |
| $250,001-$1,000,000 | $276 | $182 | $458 |
|
Pre-packaged Non-Perishable Food Only
Payment Summary The payment summary page lists the license fees and surcharges owed. If you plan to pay with an e-check, be sure to write down the six digit PAYMENT ID located in the paragraph above the summary table before selecting ‘Enter Payment Information’. If you do not write this number down, you will not be able to complete payment and will have to start the process over. If you plan to pay by MasterCard, Visa, or debit card, simply select ‘Enter Payment Information’ to proceed. Submitting Payment
Once payment is submitted, you are encouraged to print a copy of your receipt. Select ‘Print a Copy of Your Receipt’ link at the top of the page to print a receipt. A copy of your receipt will also be sent to the email address provided in your application. |
$50 | $33 | $83 |
License period for a Special Event food stand is from April 1st to March 31st the following year.
In order to ensure receipt of license prior to a special event, license applications and fees should be submitted to the appropriate regulatory authority at least 14 days prior to operating a special event food stand.
Special Event Food Stand License
Licenses & Inspections Locator
