For vendors
Vendor resources
Everything you may need to vend at our festivals — permits, certificates and an event-day checklist. Requirements change, so always confirm on the official page. Questions? Contact us.
New York City
Permits & certificates
Most food vendors at our NYC festivals need the first two. Start early — some require an in-person appointment.
Temporary Food Service Establishment (TFSE) permit
Needed to make and serve food at a temporary event from a booth, stand, cart or truck. Annual permit from the NYC Health Department, applied for through the DCWP Licensing Center — one permit covers all events for the year. A restaurant permit or a valid mobile food vending unit permit may cover you instead; bring a copy on event day.
NYC Business: TFSE permitFood Protection Certificate
A supervisor with a NYC Food Protection Certificate must be at your booth at all times. The online course is free (15 lessons, English/Spanish/Chinese); the final exam is taken in person at the Health Academy for a small fee. Note: ServSafe does not count in NYC.
NYC Business: Food Protection CertificateFDNY Certificate of Fitness G-23 (propane cooking)
Required if you cook with propane (grills, fryers) at an outdoor event — a certificate holder must connect/disconnect tanks and supervise propane use. Issued to a person, valid citywide, renew every 3 years. FDNY inspects for it on site.
FDNY: G-23Mobile Food Vending License (trucks & carts)
Personal license (photo ID badge) for anyone preparing or serving food from a mobile unit. Apply in person at the DCWP Licensing Center; requires the Food Protection course. Food trucks also need a valid unit permit and FDNY inspection.
NYC Business: Mobile Food Vending LicenseNYS Sales Tax Certificate of Authority
Anyone selling taxable food or goods at shows and events in New York State must register for sales tax and display a Certificate of Authority — even for occasional sales.
NYS Tax: how to registerHealth Department guide for temporary events
The NYC Health Department’s overview of food vending at temporary events — what inspectors check for.
NYC Health: temporary eventsLong Island events
Nassau County
Festivals in Nassau County (e.g. Garden City, Hicksville) use county permits instead of NYC ones.
Nassau County temporary event vendor permit
Every food vendor at a Nassau County event needs a Department of Health temporary event permit. Applications and fees are due at least 3 full business days before the event (late fee after that). Email: tempevents@nassaucountyny.gov · 516-227-9717. Home-prepared food is not allowed.
Nassau County: food permitsBring with you
Event-day checklist
From our vendor agreement — booths missing these can be closed by inspectors.
Permits & certificates on hand
Printed or on your phone: health permit, Food Protection Certificate, G-23 (if using propane), sales tax certificate.
Hand-wash station
5-gallon container with a continuous-flow spigot, warm water, soap, paper towels and a catch bucket. Hand sanitizer does not count.
Fire safety
Inspected fire extinguisher suited to your cooking, carbon monoxide detector, flame-retardant tent. Cooking equipment outside the tent.
Tent & floor
Tent weights (at least 40 lb per leg — no stakes) and a tarp covering your whole booth floor.
Halal proof
Recent itemized invoices from your hand-slaughtered halal meat supplier, and proof for any questionable ingredients (gelatin, enzymes, rennet).
Signs
Prices, ingredients and allergens (nuts, wheat, shellfish, dairy, vegan/vegetarian, gluten) clearly displayed.
