Catering Permits & Licenses in New Orleans, LA

Maintains good standing for all LLCs; filed via geauxBIZ

Required for all LLCs; filed online or by mail via geauxBIZ portal

Required for all LLCs post-formation; filed via geauxBIZ

Renews every 10 years; searchable registry required prior to filing

Required for all catering operations serving food to public; plan review required pre-opening ($200+)

Specific to food prep/sale including mobile catering units; local health dept enforces

At least one CFPM required on staff; ANSI-accredited programs only

Collect 4.45% state + local rates (up to 11% total); monthly/quarterly filing

Required if paying wages; quarterly/annual returns

Required for caterers who hold a permit to serve alcohol (e.g., Caterer’s Permit, Special Occasion Permit). The ATC requires proof of liquor liability insurance (typically $1 million) as part of the permit application. Mandated under La. R.S. 9:2800.18 (Dram Shop Law). Failure to maintain coverage can result in permit revocation.

Not legally required in Louisiana, but strongly recommended for caterers providing bespoke services. Covers claims of negligence, missed events, or failure to perform. Often required by high-end clients or venues. Not a state mandate.

Not a standalone legal requirement, but essential for caterers. Covers claims related to food contamination, allergens, or injury. Often required by venues or clients. Typically included in general liability policies.

While not required for single-member LLCs with no employees, obtaining an EIN is strongly recommended for banking and liability protection. EIN registration is free via IRS Form SS-4.

LLCs are pass-through entities by default. Catering business profits are reported on owner’s personal tax return (Schedule C). Self-employment tax (15.3%) applies if net earnings exceed $400.

Required for all employers. Includes maintaining a safe workplace, providing safety training (especially for handling hot equipment, slips/trips), posting OSHA notices, and recording work-related injuries (Form 300 if 10+ employees). Louisiana does not operate a state OSHA plan, so federal OSHA enforces standards.

Catering businesses must ensure services are accessible to people with disabilities, including communication (e.g., accessible menus), physical access at events (coordination with venue), and service policies. Does not require structural changes to private homes or non-public locations.

The FDA Food Code is not federal law but serves as a model for state regulation. Louisiana adopts the FDA Food Code through its Department of Health. Federal role includes issuing guidance, inspecting interstate food suppliers, and recall authority. Caterers must follow safe food handling, storage, temperature control, and hygiene practices.

Federal law does not require a license for catering businesses that serve or transport lawfully purchased alcohol. However, if importing or manufacturing alcohol, TTB Form 5100.24 must be filed. Most caterers are exempt from federal alcohol licensing.

Requires payment of federal minimum wage ($7.25/hr), overtime (1.5x regular rate for hours over 40/week), proper recordkeeping (wages, hours, employee info), and youth employment rules. Applies to catering employees such as cooks, servers, and drivers.

All U.S. employers must verify identity and work authorization using Form I-9. Employers must retain forms for 3 years after hire or 1 year after employment ends, whichever is later. E-Verify is not mandatory for caterers unless contracting with federal agencies.

Requires eligible employees (worked 1,250 hours over 12 months, at a site with 50+ employees within 75 miles) to receive up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave annually for qualifying reasons. Most small catering businesses are exempt.

Prohibits deceptive or false advertising (e.g., misrepresenting menu items, pricing, or services). Applies to websites, social media, and promotional materials. Requires clear disclosure of material connections (e.g., paid endorsements). Enforced under Section 5 of the FTC Act.

Federal Clean Water Act requires proper grease trap use and maintenance to prevent blockages and pollution. While enforcement is typically delegated to state/local agencies, EPA retains authority. Mobile caterers using city disposal points may still be subject to local grease ordinances.

All Louisiana LLCs must file an Annual Report with the Secretary of State each year on the anniversary of the entity’s formation. The report can be filed online through the SOS online portal.

All caterers selling prepared food must collect and remit Louisiana sales tax (currently 4.45% state rate + local rates). Registration is mandatory for any business making taxable sales. Local rates vary by parish. Registration is free via the Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point (LaTAP).

Required for all employers in Louisiana. Employers must withhold state income tax from employee wages. Registration is done through LaTAP. Applies to full-time, part-time, and temporary employees.

All employers must register with the Louisiana Workforce Commission. New employers pay 2.7% on first $7,700 of each employee's wages annually (2024 rate). Rate may change based on experience rating after first year.

All LLCs and corporations doing business in Louisiana must file an annual franchise tax return (Form CFT-600), even if no tax is due. The tax is based on capital employed in the state, with a minimum of $50. Due May 15 each year.

LLCs are pass-through entities; while the business does not pay income tax, owners must report income on personal returns. However, the LLC must still register with LDR if it has any state tax obligations (e.g., sales tax, withholding). No separate 'income tax' registration beyond initial setup.

Most parishes and cities in Louisiana require a local business license or privilege tax certificate. For example, New Orleans requires a Business Tax Receipt (BTR), and Baton Rouge requires a Business License. Fees and requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction. Caterers must check with the local clerk or tax assessor.

While not a tax, this permit is required for all food service businesses and often tied to tax compliance. Caterers must obtain a food permit from LDH or local health authority. This is a prerequisite for lawful operation and indirectly affects tax registration eligibility.

Catering businesses collect and remit sales tax on food and services. Most filers are on a quarterly schedule, but high-volume businesses may be required to file monthly. File via Louisiana File & Pay: https://fileandpay.revenue.louisiana.gov

If the LLC has employees, it must file Form 941 quarterly and Form 940 annually. If no employees, no filings required. EIN itself does not expire but associated tax returns are ongoing.

Initial tax registration is one-time, but businesses must keep information current. No annual renewal, but failure to update may lead to compliance issues.

Catering businesses are classified as transient or mobile food establishments and must obtain a permit from the LDH or local health authority. Permit must be renewed annually. Inspection required at time of renewal or upon application.

At least one employee per shift must have a valid food handler’s card. While Louisiana does not mandate a specific statewide training program, many parishes require certification from an accredited provider (e.g., ServSafe). Check local parish requirements.

Inspections ensure compliance with Louisiana Retail Food Code. Caterers using commissary kitchens may be inspected at both the kitchen and event locations.

Required for businesses operating from a physical location. Mobile caterers using third-party kitchens may be subject to inspection through the host facility. Contact local fire marshal for schedule.

Catering businesses must visibly display their Certificate of Formation, DBA registration (if applicable), health permit, and sales tax license at all places of business or service. Mobile units must display permits inside or on the vehicle.

Employers must display current federal and state labor law posters, including OSHA, FLSA, EEO, and Louisiana Minimum Wage. Posters available free from DOL and LWC websites. Must be accessible to employees.

Employers must file Form UI-3/40 each quarter and pay unemployment insurance tax on first $7,700 of each employee’s wages. Rate varies based on experience rating.

LLCs taxed as sole proprietorships or partnerships pass income to owners, who must make estimated tax payments if tax liability exceeds $1,000. Use Form 1040-ES.

Businesses must keep invoices, sales records, exemption certificates, and tax returns for at least 3 years. Electronic records acceptable if legible and accessible.

Businesses with 11 or more employees must maintain OSHA Form 300 (Log), Form 301 (Incident Report), and post Form 300A summary annually. Exempt if industry is classified as low-risk and under employee threshold.

Most parishes require a local business license or occupational license. Fees and deadlines vary. For example, Baton Rouge requires renewal by January 31; New Orleans by March 31. Verify with local clerk.

In parishes like Orleans, caterers serving events in hotels or tourism zones may be required to collect and remit local tourism taxes. Rates and rules vary. For example, New Orleans imposes a 14.75% tax on food and beverage sales in certain venues. Registration typically through local tax collector.

Required for all businesses operating in New Orleans; catering LLCs must specify food service activity

All businesses; catering classified under retail/food service

Mandatory for catering involving food handling; requires inspection and HACCP plan

Enforced locally via LDH; catering requires mobile food permit if off-site

Limited to low-impact; no on-site cooking typically allowed for food businesses

Required for food prep areas with cooking equipment

Includes commercial hood/ventilation review

Zoning approval required first

False alarms trigger escalating fines

Requires vehicle inspection and commissary agreement

Mandatory for all employers with one or more employees in Louisiana, including LLCs. Sole proprietors and partners may opt out if they file proper forms (Form WC-1007). Catering employees (kitchen staff, servers, drivers) are covered under Class Code 8017 or 8008. See La. R.S. 23:1061 and WC-1007 form at https://www.laworks.net/Portals/0/Documents/WC1007.pdf

While not universally mandated by Louisiana state law, many parishes and cities (e.g., New Orleans, Baton Rouge) require proof of general liability insurance (typically $1 million per occurrence) for food service vendors. Also required under Louisiana Procurement Code for contracts with government entities. Strongly recommended and functionally required for operations.

Louisiana law requires all motor vehicles registered to a business to carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $15,000 bodily injury per person, $30,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage (15/30/25). Applies to catering vans, trucks, or cars used for deliveries. Personal auto policies do not cover commercial use.

Some Louisiana municipalities require a surety bond (typically $1,000–$10,000) as part of the food service permit process. For example, New Orleans requires a $5,000 bond for mobile food vendors and caterers (see nola.gov/food-permits). Bond ensures compliance with health and safety codes. Not a state-level mandate.

Not specifically mandated by Louisiana law, but essential for catering businesses serving food. Covers claims related to food poisoning, foreign objects, or allergic reactions. Often required by event venues or clients. Considered a best practice and de facto requirement for contracts.