Eating & Drinking Licenses & Retail Outlet Licenses

The following items are required by the Division of Health and Neighborhood Services (DHNS) prior to construction and/or issuance of a restaurant Eating and Drinking or Retail Outlet license in the Borough:

Set of floor plans which include floor, ceilings, and countertop coverings. Plans must show entire facility including restrooms, storage, preparation and seating.
An Equipment List - All equipment must be commercial grade and be approved by the DHNS.
Include a description of or copy of the menu.
Pay the plan review fee when submitting the application.
A $75 fee and a Facility Plan Review application are required for a change of ownership only with no structural or equipment changes.
The owner of the establishment must provide the DHNS with proof that he/she has applied for or received a Sales and Use Tax License or Exemption Certificate from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.
Each licensed establishment in the Borough of State College must have a sanitation supervisor. Arrangements for taking the examination can be made by calling the DHNS at 814-234-7191. Certification is valid for five years from the date of the passed examination.
Arrangements for proper grease disposal must be made. Grease disposal into dumpsters, recycling containers, storm sewers or drains is prohibited.
Per the Clean Indoor Air Act, all public facilities must be smoke-free. Signs must be visibly posted.
All establishments are required to recycle cardboard, glass, plastic, newspaper, aluminum, and metal cans. Call the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority 814-238-7005 to make arrangements for collection.
For non-recyclable refuse contact the Borough's Public Works Department at 814-234-7135.

A license for the establishment will be issued on the final inspection prior to opening. The owner of the business should notify the DHNS one week prior to opening to schedule a convenient time for the inspection. The current Eating and Drinking License fees are based on the number of seats in the establishment and the license year runs from April 1 through March 31. A Retail Outlet License (prepackaged food only) is $115 and the license year runs April 1 through March 31 as well. There is no pro-rated licensing fee available.

Starting a New Business in State College