ISD issues the annual food service permit; base health permit component is $100/yr, but the full restaurant permit fee is set by seating capacity/type and is not published as a single figure online (verify with ISD, 617-635-5326). A separate Common Victualler license from the Licensing Board is also required for sit-down service.
~$500/yr annual food-truck permit; plus $100 annual health permit and $150 fire-permit inspection (dual health + fire required). Mobile permit add-ons: $30 each if selling milk/ice cream; $100 manufacturing fee for soft-serve. Boston runs a citywide food-truck program with designated public vending locations/seasons.
| Category | Annual fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| caterer | — | Caterers overseen by Boston Inspectional Services Health Division; caterer-specific fee not published on the food-service permit page. |
| market/grocery with deli | $100 min (<2,500 sq ft); $100 + $50 per additional 1,000 sq ft (>2,500 sq ft) | "Retail Food" permit covers grocery/market/retail food stores. |
| temporary/seasonal/special-event | $30 first day + $5 per additional consecutive day (max 14 days) | "Temporary Food Service Permit," issued to an organization for a period not exceeding 14 days. |
| bar/tavern | $100 + $1/seat (Common Victualler); $210 take-out only | A Common Victualler License (issued by the Licensing Board) is required in addition to the ISD food-service health permit for establishments serving food/drink. |