ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ALDERS OF THE CITY OF NEW HAVEN CALLING FOR A WORKSHOP REGARDING THE CATERING LICENSE FEE AND A “FIRST YEAR FREE” POLICY FOR NEW HAVEN FOOD BUSINESSES.
WHEREAS: the City of New Haven seeks to strengthen businesses that are seeking to launch and grow in the food business; and
WHEREAS: the City’s fee includes a Food Service Establishment license application fee of $100.00 and a Food Service Establishment license catering fee of $550.00, resulting in a first-year total of $650.00 and subsequent annual renewals of $550.00 for catering licensure; and
WHEREAS: small businesses have identified the first-year cost burden associated with catering licensure as a barrier to entry for emerging food entrepreneurs; and
WHEREAS: a “First Year Free” policy for catering licenses, and related fee-structure alternatives, warrant public review and testimony to assess fiscal, administrative, compliance, equity, and public health considerations;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED by the New Haven Board of Alders that a workshop is convened to examine: (i) the City’s catering license fee structure; and (ii) a proposed “First Year Free” policy for New Haven food businesses seeking a catering license.
BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that the workshop shall also examine: (1) the existing catering license application and annual fee structure reflected in the City’s fee schedule; (2) implementation options for a “First Year Free” policy, including eligibility criteria and renewal-fee alternatives; (3) administrative feasibility, enforcement and compliance impacts, and anticipated fiscal impacts; and (4) public health and consumer protection considerations consistent with applicable state requirements.
BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that said working group should include, but not be limited to, Alders, Economic Development, Health Department, Building Department, and other pertinent city departments necessary.