What permits do you need to open a coffee shop in Jefferson County Tx?

Food Establishment Permit (Jefferson County Environmental Control)

A restaurant, coffee shop, grocery or convenience store, day care or other food establishment in the county's food jurisdiction needs a current county food permit. The Environmental Control Food Permits page states: "Jefferson County requires that all food establishments in our jurisdiction have a current Food Permit. Our jurisdiction includes all of unincorporated Jefferson County as well as: Bevil Oaks China Groves Nederland Port Neches." Beaumont and Port Arthur are not on that list and run their own food programs. The permit rests on the Commissioners Court's Amended Order adopted November 30, 2015 under Health and Safety Code chapter 437, which adopts the Texas Food Establishment Rules; under §5 the County Health Authority delegates inspection and permitting to the Environmental Control Department, and §4 states that "Renewals of permits are required on an annual basis" after a pre-permit inspection. The order states that "A food establishment operated solely by a nonprofit organization is exempt from the permitting requirements of this order, but is not exempt from compliance with state laws and rules." The county's Food Permit Application lists restaurant, bakery, convenience store, caterer, grocery, meat/fish market, daycare/nursery and other classifications, and states: "All permit fees are non-refundable. Permit is good for one year from date of issue." No fee amount is published on the page or the application; contact Environmental Control, 7933 Viterbo Road, Ste 4, Beaumont, (409) 719-5910. The page also requires a Certified Food Manager and food handler certification for food employees under the Texas Food Establishment Rules.

Occupation Tax Permit for Coin-Operated Machines (Jefferson County)

A restaurant, coffee shop or store in Jefferson County that exhibits a music, skill or pleasure coin-operated machine, such as a jukebox, pool table or video game, needs a county occupation tax permit for each machine every year. The Tax Office information sheet (REV.10/2019) states: "All public establishments having coin-operated machines must obtain an occupation tax permit for each machine from the Jefferson County Tax Office every year. Permits expire Dec. 31 of each calendar year." An amusement machine designed exclusively for children is outside the definition, and stamp vending and service machines are exempt, as are food, confection, beverage, merchandise and cigarette vending machines and gas meters if they are subject to an occupation or gross receipt tax. As published on the information sheet and the application (Rev.10-11-2023), the permit costs $15.00 if purchased by March 31, $11.25 from April 1 thru June 30, $7.50 from July 1 thru September 30 and $3.75 from October 1 thru December 31. A machine found without a permit is locked by the Tax Office or a peace officer until a $15.00 permit is bought and a $5.00 unlock fee is paid. The permit must be attached to the machine in clear view of the public. Occupations Code §2153.401 sets the state tax at $60 a year and §2153.451 caps a county tax at one-fourth of that, which is $15. Apply at the Beaumont Tax Office, 1149 Pearl Street, or by mail to P.O. Box 2112, Beaumont, TX 77704-2112.

Shared with other businesses in Jefferson County Tx

• Jefferson County Alcoholic Beverage Permit Tax (county fee on TABC permits and licenses) — Jefferson County Tax Assessor-Collector, No amount is published on the Tax Office's Business Related page; the page states that the fees "will vary depending on the type of license or permit". Alcoholic Beverage Code §§11.38(a) and 61.36(a) cap a county fee at one-half of the state fee as of August 31, 2021. The Tax Office mails a statement for the amount due., Follows the TABC permit or license; billed when TABC issues or renews it. Also required for restaurants and retail stores; what it involves is set out on the restaurants page.