Permits for a Restaurant in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Authorizes on-premises sale of alcoholic beverages. Issued by the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC). Retailer permits for consumption on licensed premises. Application process takes up to 90 days once completed.

The coveted 'three-way' permit allows on-premises sale of beer, wine, AND liquor. Subject to a strict population-based quota: one 3-way permit per 1,500 residents in each municipality. Quotas are filled in 99% of incorporated areas. When no quota permits are available, must be purchased from an existing holder or won at public auction. New permits released following 2020 census available starting April 2025.

All business entities must register with the Indiana Secretary of State through the INBiz portal. LLC Articles of Organization $100 ($95 online + $3 service fee). Biennial Business Entity Report $50.

Employers paying wages in Indiana must register with the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) for unemployment insurance through the UPLINK Employer Self Service system. Registration is free.

All Indiana employers must provide workers' compensation coverage regardless of number of employees. Willful failure to obtain coverage is a misdemeanor. Coverage from private insurers or approved self-insurance.

Commercial establishments in Indiana must comply with fire safety codes enforced by local fire marshals and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS). Inspections required for assembly, food service, and commercial occupancies. Indiana has adopted the International Fire Code with modifications.

Indiana requires a Certified Food Protection Manager at each food establishment. Individual food handler training is required by many county health departments. County health departments set specific requirements — Marion County (Indianapolis) requires food handler permits for all employees.

All food establishments in Indiana must be registered through the state or county health department. State-level registration through ISDH is free. County health departments have jurisdiction and may charge separate permit fees ($80–$300+).

Required for installing or modifying business signs in Indiana. Administered by local municipal planning/zoning departments. Outdoor advertising along state highways regulated by INDOT. Regulates sign size, height, illumination, and type.

Employers paying wages in Indiana must register with the Department of Revenue for state income tax withholding. Indiana has a flat 3.05% state income tax rate plus county income tax. Registration through INtax.

Retail merchants making taxable sales in Indiana must obtain a Registered Retail Merchant Certificate (RRMC) from the Department of Revenue. Fee is $25 per location. Must be renewed every 2 years. State sales tax rate 7%.

Required before occupying a new or renovated commercial space in Indiana. Issued by local building department after final inspection. Verifies compliance with Indiana building codes.

Verifies that a business location complies with local zoning ordinances. In Indiana, called an 'Improvement Location Permit' in many jurisdictions. Required before opening a new business or changing use. Issued by local planning/zoning authority.