What permits do you need to open a restaurant in Lake Charles?

Retail Permit for Beverages of High Alcoholic Content (Liquor)

City Code § 3-15 requires each dealer in beverages of high alcoholic content to obtain a City permit annually or biennially for each separate business. Under § 3-17 (Ord. No. 20034, 8-21-24) the fee 'shall not exceed $500.00 per year for each place of business' — that is the code's ceiling, not a stated fee — and a permit issued after July 1 to a new business costs one-half of the annual fee. Section 3-16 requires a sworn application approved by the mayor or his designee, and § 3-55 sets $50.00 Alcohol Review Board fees for an initial or renewal application under that division.

Restaurant Endorsement Permit (Sunday Alcohol Service with Meals)

Under City Code § 3-8(b)(3), a restaurant holding a restaurant endorsement permit may serve alcoholic beverages with meals between 10:00 a.m. Sunday and 12:01 a.m. Monday while its restaurant facilities are open. Section 3-8.1 (Ord. No. 10857, 12-4-96) makes the permit separate from any other City permit, requires a Calcasieu Parish Health Unit compliance statement and proof that most gross revenue comes from food and nonalcoholic beverages, and states: 'A fee of $100.00 shall be paid with the application for a restaurant endorsement permit, a renewal permit, or a temporary permit.' Applications go to the mayor or his designee.

Shared with other businesses in Lake Charles

• Occupational License Tax — Retail Dealers — City of Lake Charles Finance Department, Occupational License Division, $50–$6,200 a year, by gross receipts bracket under Table 1, the state-prescribed retail dealers schedule the city administers directly, annual — calendar year; the minimum fee is $50 for a business commencing before July 1, or $25 for one commencing July 1 or later. Also required for coffee shops, retail stores, salons and barbers, fitness studios and auto repair shops; what it involves is set out on the salons and barbers page.
• Portable Commercial Sign Permit — City of Lake Charles Permit Center, $50 annual, annual. Also required for coffee shops, retail stores, salons and barbers, fitness studios, auto repair shops and veterinary clinics; what it involves is set out on the salons and barbers page.
• Certificate of Occupancy — City of Lake Charles Permit Center, $20 per application — the $15 Certificate of Occupancy application/inspection fee plus the $5 technology/computer fee, one-time, per application. Also required for coffee shops, retail stores, salons and barbers, fitness studios, auto repair shops and veterinary clinics; what it involves is set out on the salons and barbers page.
• Retail Permit for Beverages of Low Alcoholic Content (Beer and Wine) — City of Lake Charles Finance Department, Occupational License Division, $60–$75 a year — Class B (sealed containers for off-premises consumption) $60; Class A (consumption on or off the premises) $75, annual or biennial, dating from January 1; renewal applications are due by November 1, and a renewal filed after that date carries a 25% delinquency penalty. Also required for coffee shops and retail stores; what it involves is set out on the retail stores page.
• Retail Food Establishment Permit — Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health, Retail Food Program, $150 for a first permit; a second through fifth costs $112.50 each, and a sixth or later $75 each, annual. Also required for coffee shops and food trucks; what it involves is set out on the food trucks page.
• Food Safety Certificate — Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health, Retail Food Program, $25 for the state certificate; a duplicate is $12.50, 5 years, and it cannot be renewed — the course and exam must be retaken from scratch. Also required for coffee shops and food trucks; what it involves is set out on the coffee shops page.