Health approvals

Health operating permit

Needed by a “food service establishment” — anywhere food is prepared and served for immediate eating: restaurants, cafés, take-outs, caterers, most food trucks. Issued after a pre-opening inspection; permits are personal and not transferable to a new owner.

Who issues it
Island Health
Cost
$150 a year for up to 50 seats (and for take-outs and caterers), $250 over 50 seats; a mobile unit pays a flat $75, or $150 prorated. Other permits are prorated by month for seasonal businesses. No fee if you operate 14 days or fewer in a fiscal year (April–March).

Who needs it

Restaurants & cafésOpening or running a restaurant, café, take-out or coffee shop.BakeriesIf you sell food to eat on the spotCaterers & personal chefsCooking for events, offices or private clients.Delivery-only & ghost kitchensCooking for delivery and pickup only, with no dining room.Grocers & specialty food shopsIf you serve food to eat on the spot

The rules behind this page

Last checked 26 September 2026. We check this guide regularly against Island Health, provincial and municipal sources, but regulations and laws change often and we can’t guarantee it is complete or current. Confirm with Island Health and your municipality before you apply, build or sell.

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