Coffee Shop / Cafe Permits & Licenses in Baltimore, MD

Required for all LLCs; includes name reservation option ($50)

Centralized portal for LLC formation; all businesses must register here

Required if cafe operates as "Joe's Coffee" but LLC is "Joe's Cafe LLC

6% sales tax rate; monthly returns required; applies to coffee shop sales

State standards enforced locally; plan review required pre-opening. Contact county health dept (e.g., Baltimore: health.baltimorecity.gov)

Mandatory for ALL Maryland LLCs regardless of activity; covers cafe equipment

Required for any vehicle owned or operated by the business. Minimum liability limits: $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, $15,000 property damage. Applies to delivery vehicles, catering vans, or any company-owned vehicle used for business purposes.

Not legally required by Maryland or federal law, but highly recommended for coffee shops selling food or beverages. Covers claims related to foodborne illness, foreign objects, or allergic reactions. FDA enforces food safety standards under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, but does not mandate insurance.

Mandatory for coffee shops that serve alcohol (e.g., wine, beer). Required as part of alcohol license application process. Often fulfilled through a commercial general liability policy with liquor liability endorsement. Maryland requires businesses selling alcohol to carry adequate liability coverage to protect against third-party claims arising from intoxication-related incidents.

A surety bond may be required when applying for a retail alcohol license, especially if the applicant has prior violations or is a new business. The bond guarantees compliance with state alcohol laws and payment of taxes. Amount varies by license type and jurisdiction. Not universally required but commonly imposed conditionally.

Not legally required for coffee shops in Maryland. Typically relevant for consultants or service professionals providing advice. Coffee shops are not generally exposed to malpractice claims, so this coverage is not mandated or standard. Optional if offering specialty services like barista training or catering planning.

Even single-member LLCs without employees may need an EIN if they choose to file as a corporation or have retirement plans. Application is free via IRS Form SS-4.

LLCs do not pay federal income tax directly unless elected as a corporation. Profits/losses pass through to owners’ personal returns.

Includes requirements for hazard communication (e.g., chemical safety for cleaning supplies), emergency exits, and reporting work-related fatalities or hospitalizations within 8/24 hours. Cafes must maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for hazardous chemicals.

Requires accessible entrances, restrooms, counters, and pathways. Existing facilities must remove barriers if "readily achievable." New construction or alterations must comply with ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

Coffee shops that brew and serve coffee, prepare food (e.g., pastries, sandwiches), or store ingredients are considered food facilities. Registration must be renewed every two years during even-numbered years (Section 1005 of FD&C Act, as amended by FDARA).

Requires calorie counts on menus and menu boards, a statement about daily calorie intake, and availability of written nutrition information upon request. Applies to standard menu items, including coffee drinks and food.

Requires development, implementation, and maintenance of an SPCC plan to prevent oil spills into navigable waters. Most coffee shops are exempt due to low storage volume.

Sets federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour), overtime pay (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours/week), recordkeeping, and child labor standards. Most coffee shops meet interstate commerce criteria.

Requires eligible employees (12 months of service, 1,250 hours worked) to receive up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying reasons (e.g., birth, serious health condition).

Requires completion of Form I-9 to verify identity and work authorization. Employers must retain forms for 3 years after hire or 1 year after employment ends, whichever is later.

Requires that all advertising (including social media, menus, signage) be truthful, not misleading, and substantiated. Applies to claims about ingredients, sourcing (e.g., "organic", "fair trade"), and health benefits.

Federal Basic Permit for Alcohol Beverage Dealer is required in addition to state and local alcohol licenses. Most coffee shops do not serve alcohol and thus do not need this.

Cafes collecting sales tax must file returns based on volume. Most small businesses file quarterly unless otherwise notified. Sales tax is due on food, beverages, and retail items sold.

Employers must withhold state income tax from employee wages and file Form MW508. Frequency determined by the Comptroller based on payroll volume.

Local zoning approval required; most cafes need Class B (on-premises)

Required for withholding state income tax; quarterly/annual filings

Quarterly contributions required

All coffee shops selling prepared food and beverages must collect and remit sales tax. Maryland state sales tax rate is 6%. Applies to all retail sales of tangible personal property and certain services. Mandatory registration via Maryland Business Express portal.

Required for all employers paying wages to employees in Maryland. Employers must withhold state income tax from employee wages. Registration is completed through the Maryland Business Express system.

Employers with at least one employee must register. New employers are assigned a standard rate of 2.5% on first $7,000 of each employee’s annual wages. Rate adjusts after three years based on layoff history.

All LLCs in Maryland must file an Annual Report and pay the franchise tax. Due each year by April 15. Failure to file may result in administrative dissolution. Applies to all LLCs regardless of business activity or revenue.

Most cities and counties in Maryland require a local business license or privilege tax for operating a coffee shop. Examples: Baltimore City Food Service License, Montgomery County Business, Professional & Occupational License (BPOL). Verify with local clerk. Fees based on gross receipts or flat rate depending on jurisdiction.

Employers must file Form 941 quarterly to report federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare taxes withheld. Form 944 may apply for very small employers (rare).

Self-employed individuals (including single-member LLC owners) must make estimated tax payments if they expect to owe $1,000 or more when filing federal return. Use Form 1040-ES.

Employers must register with Maryland Unemployment Insurance Program and file Form UC-10/11 each quarter. New employers pay 2.5%.

All food service establishments require a retail food license. Inspections are unannounced and assess compliance with Maryland Food Code. Permit must be displayed visibly.

Inspections ensure compliance with fire codes including exits, extinguishers, alarms, and sprinklers. Certificate of Inspection must be posted.

Required before opening. Confirms compliance with zoning, occupancy, and building codes. Not typically recurring unless renovations occur.

At least one employee (manager) must hold a Maryland-recognized Food Manager Certification (e.g., ServSafe). Certification valid for 5 years; renewal requires re-examination.

Certified food managers must renew certification every 5 years via exam. Required to maintain food service license.

Required posters include: Federal Minimum Wage, Equal Employment Opportunity, OSHA Safety, Maryland Workers’ Compensation, Maryland Family Leave. Must be visible to employees.

Most Maryland counties and cities require a local business license. Renewal deadlines depend on jurisdiction. Check with local clerk’s office.

Federal law requires retention of tax records for at least 3 years. Employment records (W-2s, I-9s) must be kept 4–7 years. Maryland requires retention of sales tax records for at least 3 years.

The retail food license and local business license must be visibly posted near the entrance or service area for public viewing.

Employers must file Form MW508 monthly or quarterly and remit withheld state income tax. Filing frequency determined by the Comptroller based on withholding volume.

All registered sellers must file Form ST-100 or ST-101 to report and remit collected sales tax. Filing frequency based on sales volume. Coffee shops typically file monthly or quarterly.

Required for all LLCs for federal tax purposes, even without employees. Used for state tax registration, banking, and payroll. Apply online via IRS website.

Single-member LLCs report income on owner’s Form 1040 (Schedule C). Multi-member LLCs file Form 1065. Applies to all LLCs regardless of industry. No federal income tax at entity level unless electing corporate status.

Federal unemployment tax applies if employer meets wage or employee thresholds. Most employers pay effective rate of 0.6% after state credit.

Applies to net income passed through to owner(s). Must pay estimated taxes quarterly if expected tax liability exceeds $1,000.

Required for all retail food businesses including coffee shops/cafes. Endorsement for food service mandatory.

Confirms property zoning allows cafe use. Required before building/occupancy permits.

Requires plan review, initial inspection, and manager's food safety certification.

Required for all commercial food establishments. Includes hood suppression system inspection if applicable.

Required for kitchen installation, ADA modifications, or structural changes.

Must comply with zoning district sign regulations.

Verifies building code compliance post-construction/renovation.

Required for all commercial operations including cafes.

Requires HACCP plan review and Certified Food Protection Manager.

Separate plan review fee of $300+ required.

Requires pre-opening inspection and food safety training.

Mandatory for all employers in Maryland with one or more employees, including part-time and minor employees. Sole proprietors without employees are exempt. Coverage must be obtained through a private insurer or the State Accident Fund.

Not legally mandated by Maryland state law for all businesses. However, many commercial leases, municipalities, or health departments may require proof of general liability insurance as a condition of licensing or occupancy. Strongly recommended for protection against third-party injury or property damage claims.

All Maryland LLCs must file an annual report by September 1 each year to remain in good standing. The report includes business address, registered agent, and management structure. Failure to file may result in administrative dissolution.