To distribute, prepare, handle, or dispense food for public consumption, a license is required. This includes licensing and inspections for grocery stores or supermarkets. Please check the links below for complete information. Food cannot be prepared out of a private residence for distribution to the public. A Cottage Food Business may only offer food products at farmer's markets.

To apply for a license, one may go to the Office at: 2425 Reedie Drive, 9th Floor, Wheaton, MD. 20902, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, or go online (link below). It takes approximately 30 days for a license to be issued. New restaurants will have an inspector assigned who will contact the owner to set up an inspection, prior to opening. Once a business is open, inspections are random and unannounced. To request an inspection, call the office at: 240.777.3986, or send an email: [email protected] or [email protected].

Bed and Breakfast (B&B) facilities are not permitted to sell hot meals, except for hot beverages and toasted bread products. A B&B that sells anything other than cold meals or has more than 8 rooms must obtain a food service facility license. The same facilities are required to obtain a Montgomery County transient lodging license.

Online users who have additional questions may submit a request by clicking on the "Create Service Request" button below. Please provide the requestor's name, phone number, email address, and a brief description of the request.