Food Service at Special Events

Special events include exhibitions, fairs, community festivals, seasonal holiday events, or similar events.  Depending on the types of food being served at a special event, a food license may be required.  All food service at special events must follow the Guidelines for Food Service at Special Events and the Checklist for Special Event Food Vendors.

Licensing

Vendors must have a class 3A, class 3B or class 4 food premises license to handle unpackaged food items and/or high risk food items in a booth, structure or mobile unit at a temporary event such as a community fair, concert, exhibition or other organized event lasting ten consecutive days or less.

Event organizers must apply for the license at least thirty (30) days before the event.  Food Vendors must apply for the license at least fourteen (14) days before the event.  

Food vendors must display the license where food is prepared and/or served in a location visible to the public.   

The organizer of an event in which food service is provided must obtain a class 3B license for each event, provide the names of all potential food service vendors to Environmental Health and ensure all vendors on site at the event are approved by Environmental Health. 

• Class 3A licence is issued for one special event and expires at the end of the event.
• Class 3B licence will allow a vendor to operate at an unlimited number of special events between April 1st and March 31st. It must be renewed each year.

What are the requirements for serving food at a special event?

The requirements for serving food at a special event are outlined in the Guidelines for Food Service at Special Events and the Checklist for Special Event Food Vendors.  

How do I apply for a class 3 licence?

Apply online for a food service licence at Operate a Food Premises Licence – Online Application. 

Supporting documents

In addition to the food premises license application, the following supporting documentation is required:

Event Organizer

• Proof of food safety training
• Special Event Sanitation Plan (including a detailed site plan)
• Dates and hours of operation
• List of food vendors and contact information
• Water sample(s) information if on a private water system

Food Vendors

• Proof of food safety training
• Special Event Application

Events where a food license isn't required

Vendors that sell only pre-packaged low risk foods prepared in a private residence do not require a license or approval by Environmental Health. 

Low-risk food items are generally considered non-hazardous and do not require refrigeration. 

Low-risk food items are unlikely to contain micro-organisms which may cause foodborne illness. Requirements include a water activity (Aw) of 0.85 or less, or a pH of 4.6 or less.   

Examples of low-risk foods include, but are not limited to: 

• apple sauce
• brownies
• cookies
• dry cereal products
• pies (not cream based or filled)
• fudge
• cakes (no dairy based icing)
• bread and buns (no meat or cheese filling)
• dried fruit
• hard candy
• popcorn
• muffins
• jam and jelly
• pickled vegetables (vinegar based, pH ≤4.6)
• tomato based products (if Aw and pH are acceptable)

Mobile food service vehicle

A mobile unit that is already licensed with Environmental Health will not need to complete an event application if they are operating as previously approved.

Mobile food service vehicles must meet requirements for potable water supply and wastewater disposal.

Additional Information

Application for Food Service at Special Events

Fundraiser BBQ Guidelines

Sanitizers for Food Contact Surfaces

Special Event Sanitation Plan Template