Permit for Serving Food to the Public at Temporary Events
Serving food to the public requires a valid permit
from the Health Department.
If you plan preparation and service of food to the public at
a temporary event, please contact the Tompkins County Health
Department. All food prepared/served at temporary events must
be made at the event or at a facility currently under permit.
Application to obtain a temporary food permit:
Download Application (PDF 97K)
Download Instructions (PDF 52K)
Download Safe Event Planner & Checklist (PDF 80K)
This application must be filled out by the temporary food vendor
and mailed, with the fee, if applicable, to the Tompkins County
Health Department at least two weeks prior to the event. The application will be reviewed, and if conditions
of Part 14-2 of the New York Sanitary Code can be met, a permit
will be issued.
Some Tompkins County restaurants may obtain permission to serve
food at events other than at their restaurants. If you own/
operate a restaurant in Tompkins County call the Health Department
to find out if you are allowed to do so and for further information.
For questions, further information and applicable fees, visit the Temp Food Services FAQ page, or contact the Environmental Health Division of the TCHD, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. at (607) 274-6688.
Workers' Comp & Disability Info
Your permit to operate will not be issued unless one or more of the following forms are submitted with your application.
1. When WC/DB coverage IS provided:
A. Workers' Compensation:
- Form C-105.2 – Certificate of Workers’ Compensation Insurance (issued by the applicant's insurance carrier); OR
- Form U-26.3 – Certificate of Workers' Compensation Insurance (issued by the State Insurance Fund); OR
- Form SI-12 – Certificate of Workers' Compensation Self-Insurance, OR
- GSI – 105.2 – Certificate of Participation in Workers' Compensation Group Self-Insurance; AND
B. Disability Benefits:
- DB-120.1 - Certificate of Disability Benefits (issued by the applicant's insurance carrier); OR
- Form DB-155 – Certificate of Disability Benefits Self-Insurance
2. When WC/DB coverage IS NOT provided. (This includes Not-for-profit organizations)
- Form CE-200 – Certificate of Attestation of Exemption from NYS Workers' Compensation and/or Disability Benefits Coverage.
If you or the organization has no employees, you/ the organization are required to have Workers’ Compensation and Disability exempt form CE-200 (no employees.)
You or your representative may access the online application at the Workers’ Compensation Board website at wcb.ny.gov. Click the “WC/DB Exemption” button on the Board’s main web page and then click on “Request for WC/DB Exemption (Form CE-200).” After completing the online application, the certificate of exemption can be immediately printed. The form must be dated and signed by you/ organization representative. Call 1-866-802-3604 to have an application sent to you or your organization (takes 4–6 weeks).
Application for a Permit to Operate a Temporary Food
Establishment — Download
Here (pdf, 97K)
Instructions | Checklist
F.A.Q. for Temporary Food Service Permits
Fact Sheets for Temportary Food Service (all PDF, 154KB or less)
Page updated: July 17, 2012 | Webmaster