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1. Is my Temporary Event Retail Food Establishment License valid at farmers markets?

A “Temporary Event” is defined as a single community event or celebration that operates for a period of time of not more than fourteen (14) consecutive days and may include town celebrations, fairs, and festivals. Regularly scheduled series of events such as farmers markets, sporting events, and flea markets are specifically excluded. Therefore, a Temporary Event Retail Food Establishment License is not valid at a farmers market.

2. How long is my Temporary Event Retail Food Establishment License good for?

Your Temporary Event Retail Food Establishment License is valid for the calendar year it was purchased in expiring on December 31st.

3. Can I operate my temporary food booth from my home?

No; temporary food operations are required to operate from an approved commissary.

4. What is a commissary, and why do I need one?

A commissary is a facility approved by the health department as a base of operations for a mobile food establishment where food, containers, and supplies are kept, handled, prepared, packaged or stored, and where fresh water is replaced, and waste water is disposed of. Most commissaries are licensed fixed restaurants used by agreement between management of the restaurant and the mobile food operator. A Commissary Agreement must be completed and submitted for licensing. The Colorado Co-Pack Directory maintains a list of approved kitchens whose sole purpose is to rent time to the public.

5. What is the difference between a Mobile Retail Food Establishment License and a Temporary Retail Food Establishment License?

While both must report to an approved commissary, the Temporary Retail Food Establishment may operate only at temporary events, and have far less stringent equipment requirements. A Mobile Retail food Establishment is tied to a specific mobile truck, trailer, or pushcart, and may operate at any event, any location, and at any time, within the travel time and/or distance constraints of their commissary.

6. Why must the operators of fixed, licensed, retail food establishments obtain an additional Retail Food Establishment License to participate in temporary events?

The license they hold is valid for the location indicated on their license only. To operate from another location, an additional license is required.

7. How much is a Temporary Event Retail Food Establishment License?

The temporary event retail food license is currently $330. Please note: This is a Tri-County Health Department Temporary Retail Food license. Temporary Event Retail Food licenses from counties outside of TCHD will NOT be accepted. Statutory language has changed allowing counties to set their own fees for Special Events and began September 1, 2016.

8. When do vendor applications need to be submitted?

Vendor applications must be submitted at least two (2) weeks prior to the start of the event. Vendors not meeting this deadline will be assessed a $50 late fee.

9. When should temporary event coordinator applications be submitted?

At least 30 days prior to the start of the event.

10. Do I need a license to roast and sell chilies?

Chili roasting operations are required to have a Retail Food Establishment License. The chilies must be washed in potable water at a commissary, and a handwashing facility must be available at the site where the chilies are roasted and sold. Contact your local Tri-County office for details.

11. Do I need a Temporary Event Retail Food Establishment License if I have a licensed mobile food truck, trailer, or push cart?

No, as long as you operate as a mobile food truck, trailer, or push cart. If you set up a temporary food booth in addition to your licensed mobile food unit, you will need to obtain a Temporary Event Retail Food Establishment License.