Restaurant Permits & Licenses in Richmond, VA

Virginia imposes dram shop liability under Code § 4.1-310, making businesses liable for injuries caused by serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated persons. While not explicitly requiring a separate 'dram shop insurance' policy, the ABC strongly recommends including liquor liability coverage (often part of a broader general liability or umbrella policy) to protect against claims. Required by most commercial landlords and lenders.

Required for all LLC formation in Virginia. No annual report required for LLCs (unlike corporations).

All LLCs must maintain a registered agent with physical Virginia address for service of process.

Required if restaurant operates under trade name/DBA. Renew every 10 years for $10.

Mandatory for all restaurants selling prepared food/beverages for consumption (taxable at 6% state rate). File returns monthly/quarterly based on revenue.

Issued by local health departments under VDH oversight. Requires initial inspection, food safety plan, and certified food manager on-site.

Requires locality approval first, then state ABC license. Must derive 45%+ revenue from food sales.

Most restaurant employees require withholding. Quarterly/annual reconciliation required.

Mandatory for restaurants with payroll. Quarterly wage reports required.

Every city/county requires (e.g., Fairfax Code §4-1-4; Arlington Code §8-2). Fees scale with projected revenue. LLC must register first with SCC.

A $1,000 surety bond is required for all on-premises retail license applicants (e.g., restaurants serving alcohol). The bond ensures compliance with Virginia ABC laws. It is filed with the ABC and remains in effect during the license term. Premiums are typically paid annually.

While not required for all single-member LLCs with no employees, most restaurants will need an EIN due to payroll and tax reporting obligations.

A Virginia restaurant structured as an LLC is typically treated as a disregarded entity (single-member) or partnership (multi-member) for federal tax purposes. Owners must report income on personal returns and may owe self-employment tax. Multi-member LLCs must file Form 1065.

Restaurants must comply with general industry standards including hazard communication, emergency exits, fire safety, and prevention of slips, trips, and falls. A written hazard communication plan and employee training on chemical safety (e.g., cleaning supplies) are required.

Requires accessible entrances, dining areas, restrooms, and menus. New construction or alterations must meet ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Existing facilities must remove barriers if "readily achievable.

While the FDA Food Code is a model, it is adopted by Virginia health departments. Federal oversight occurs through guidance and inspection protocols. Includes requirements for food handling, handwashing, temperature control, and employee illness policies.

Federal permit required under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act. Must be obtained in addition to Virginia ABC license. Form TTB F 5630.1 must be submitted.

Restaurants must be in commercial zoning (e.g., Fairfax Zoning Ordinance §2-401 C-3/C-8 districts; Richmond Zoning Code Ch. 15.05). Site plan review required.

Required for new buildouts (e.g., Arlington County Code §9-6; Henrico: $500+ typical restaurant fit-out).

Strict size/illumination rules (e.g., Fairfax Zoning §18.602; Virginia Beach Code §36-1304).

Required for kitchens/suppression systems (IFC 2018 adopted locally; e.g., Virginia Beach Fire Prev. Code §105.6).

Confirms zoning/building/fire compliance (e.g., Fairfax USBC §111.3; Arlington Code §9-15).

Commercial kitchen hoods always require (NFPA 96 via local IFC adoption).

Required if <5 spaces/300sf GFA (e.g., Fairfax §4-406; Richmond zoning standards).

Compliance only; permit for variances (e.g., Arlington Noise Ordinance §10-106; 10pm curfew typical).

Common for sit-down restaurants in certain zones (e.g., Henrico SUP process; public hearing required).

Mandatory for all employers with more than 1 employee in Virginia, including part-time and full-time workers. Sole proprietors are not required to cover themselves unless they elect coverage. LLC members who are actively involved and receive compensation are considered employees. Coverage must be secured through a licensed insurer or approved self-insurance program.

While Virginia does not mandate general liability insurance statewide for restaurants, many localities, health departments, landlords, and event organizers require proof of coverage as a condition of permitting or leasing. Strongly recommended for protection against third-party injury or property damage claims.

Required for any vehicle titled or used for business purposes. Virginia mandates minimum liability coverage: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $20,000 property damage. Applies even if the vehicle is leased or driven by employees.

Inspection schedule is determined by the local health authority; restaurants must be ready for unannounced visits.

Inspection covers fire extinguishers, suppression systems, egress routes, and occupancy limits.

The 2023 OSHA poster includes information on workers’ rights and employer responsibilities.

Required posters include Minimum Wage, Workers’ Compensation, Unemployment Insurance, and Anti‑Discrimination.

Records include timecards, wage statements, tax filings, receipts, and expense documentation.

Restaurants must ensure advertisements (including online, menus, and promotions) are truthful and not misleading. Includes rules on "bait-and-switch," health claims, and pricing disclosures. FTC enforces the CAN-SPAM Act for email marketing.

Requires payment of federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour as of 2023), overtime (1.5x regular rate for hours over 40/week), and proper tip credit compliance. Employers may take a tip credit if tipped employees earn at least $7.25/hour with tips included, and specific notice and recordkeeping rules are followed.

Form I-9 must be completed for every employee, regardless of citizenship. Employers must verify identity and work authorization using acceptable documents. E-Verify is not federally required for restaurants unless contracting with federal agencies.

Requires eligible employees (worked 1,250 hours in past 12 months, employed 12 months) to be granted up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying reasons (birth, adoption, serious health condition).

Restaurants must comply with grease discharge limits (via local pretreatment programs under Clean Water Act). If using refrigeration equipment with ozone-depleting substances, Section 608 of the Clean Air Act requires proper handling and certification for technicians. No federal permit required for typical operations, but violations can trigger enforcement.

Filing can be completed online via the SCC portal. The filing fee is $50 for LLCs.

Renewal must be submitted at least 30 days before expiration. Inspection may be required prior to renewal.

Inspection verifies compliance with the Virginia Food Code.

Renewal requires submission of a renewal application and payment of the applicable fee; a compliance inspection may be scheduled.

Electronic filing is required for most businesses. Estimated payments may be made with each quarterly return.

Estimated quarterly payments are required (April 15, June 15, September 15, December 15).

Partners must report their share of income on individual returns.

Electronic filing is mandatory for most employers.

Employers must submit the Annual Report of Payroll and pay the assessed premium.

Renewal often requires proof of current health and fire inspections.