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1. Is my Special Event Food License valid at farmers markets?

A “Special Food 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 Special Event License good for?

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

3. Can I operate my Special Event food booth from my home?

No; Special Event food operations are required to operate from an approved commissary (cottage food are excepted).  

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 Special Event Food License?

While both must report to an approved commissary, the Special Event operator may operate only at Special Food 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 Special 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 Special Event Food License?

The Special Event Food License is currently $165. Please note: This is a Tri-County Health Department Special Event Food license.  Special Event 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.

Vendors who have previously completed a Vendor Application with TCHD and who have not significantly changed their menu, do not need to submit another Vendor Application (menu information, a current commissary agreement, a current Department of Revenue License and payment are still required).    

9. When should the Special 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 Special Event Food 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 Special Event food booth in addition to your licensed mobile food unit, you will need to obtain a Special Event Food License in addition to your mobile license.