Permits for a Restaurant in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Permit authorizing the retail sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption. Issued by the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC). Class A-General covers all alcoholic beverages. Cost is $200 per location.

Louisiana ATC permit for restaurants whose primary function is preparing and serving food. Authorizes sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption. Annual renewal staggered by parish. Louisiana uses parishes instead of counties for all local licensing.

Permit authorizing the retail sale of beer (beverages of low alcoholic content) only. Lower cost alternative for establishments serving only beer.

Certification required for all employees who sell or serve alcohol in Louisiana. Employer must be a certified Responsible Vendor. Employees must complete approved training. Reduces employer liability and may reduce fines for violations.

Louisiana strongly encourages businesses to become Responsible Vendor certified through ATC-approved training. Provides affirmative defense in civil lawsuits. Server permits (RV Bar Cards) are required for all employees who serve or sell alcohol.

Local occupational license required by Louisiana parishes and municipalities. Louisiana does not have a state-level general business license. Each parish/city sets its own occupational license tax, typically based on gross receipts.

Most Louisiana parishes and municipalities require an occupational license to conduct business. Fee varies by locality and gross revenue. Louisiana does not have a statewide general business license. Note: Louisiana uses parishes, not counties.

Registration with the Louisiana Department of Revenue for state income tax withholding and with the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) for unemployment insurance tax.

Registration with Louisiana Workforce Commission for state unemployment insurance tax. Required for employers with 1+ employees. New employer rate approximately 1.16% on first $7,700 per employee.

Louisiana requires workers' compensation for employers with 1+ employees (one of the strictest thresholds). Competitive-state system. Covers medical and wage-loss for work injuries.

Louisiana requires workers' compensation insurance for virtually all employers with 1 or more employees (one of the strictest thresholds in the nation). Very few exemptions exist.

Certificate from Louisiana State Fire Marshal or local fire department for fire code compliance. Required for restaurants, bars, assembly venues, and commercial kitchens.

Inspection and approval by the Louisiana State Fire Marshal or local fire department for commercial establishments. Required for restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.

Certification for food handlers in Louisiana. Certified food protection manager required per establishment. Food safety certification fee not more than $25 per state law. Training from approved providers.

Permit required for all food service establishments in Louisiana. Issued by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Office of Public Health. Requires plan review, facility inspection, and ongoing compliance with Louisiana Sanitary Code.

Permit from Louisiana Department of Health for food service establishments. Fee varies by establishment type and gross receipts. Initial permit $112.50. Temporary/special events $25. Seasonal $15/month. Re-inspection after failed inspection: $150 fee (Act 66).

Local permit for business signage. Regulated by parish and municipal zoning ordinances. DOTD regulates outdoor advertising on state highways.

Registration with the Louisiana Department of Revenue for state and local sales tax collection. Required for all businesses making retail sales. Louisiana state sales tax is 4.45% plus parish/city taxes. Registration through LaTAP.

Registration with Louisiana Department of Revenue for state and parish sales tax collection. State rate 4.45% plus parish/local rates (total 8.45-12.95%). Required for all businesses selling tangible goods or taxable services.

Registration with Louisiana Department of Revenue for state income tax withholding. Louisiana has graduated rates from 1.85% to 4.25%. Required for all employers.

Certificate from local building/permits department confirming commercial space meets codes for intended use. Required in most Louisiana parishes before operating.

Parish-level zoning verification that proposed business use is permitted. Required before most occupational licenses in Louisiana parishes.