Do I Need a Permit?
You need a Mobile Food Service Permit from the Manchester Health Department if you:
- Operate a mobile food unit (food truck or trailer), or
- Operate a pushcart anywhere in Manchester, NH
You must be licensed before operating at events, on streets (where allowed), or on private property.
What Type of Operation Do You Have?
Mobile Food Unit (Food Truck/Trailer - Class II-M)
- Fully enclosed vehicle or trailer
- Can cook, cool, hot-hold, and serve a variety of foods (as approved)
Canteen Truck (pre-packaged and unwrapped non-TCS foods only) or Pushcart (Class III-M)
- Small, non-motorized cart pushed by hand
Menu rules for pushcarts:
- Frankfurters (hot dogs) are the only approved food item
- You may serve other fully cooked, ready-to-eat foods (e.g., packaged snacks and canned/bottled drinks
- No raw animal products (no raw burgers, raw chicken, raw seafood, etc.) may be handled or cooked on a pushcart
Fees:
- Class II-M Canteen and Mobile Food Vendor Commissary: $365.00.
- Class III-M Individual Mobile Establishment (pre-packaged and unwrapped non-TCS foods only): $220.00.
- Renewal late fee: $25.00 if renewal is received after the tenth day of the month following expiration.
How to Get Licensed
Step 1 – Submit Floor Plans & Plan Review Application
- Submit floor plans/layout of your mobile unit or pushcart setup.
- Submit a completed mobile plan review application at the same time.
Step 2 – Health Department Review
- The Health Department will review your plans.
- Plans will either be approved or returned with requested amendments/corrections.
Step 3 – Construction & City Sign-Offs
Once plans are approved, the operator is responsible for:
- Completing construction/build-out of the unit or cart as approved.
Obtaining all applicable city sign-offs, which may include:
- Fire Department
- City Clerk
- Parks and Recreation (if operating on City property/parks)
- Environmental Protection Division (for wastewater disposal)
Step 4 – Schedule Final Health Inspection
After all sign-offs are obtained, contact the Manchester Health Department to schedule a final health inspection.
Your unit or cart must be fully set up and ready to operate.
Step 5 – Permit Issuance
If you pass the final inspection, a Food Service License (health permit) will be issued.
The license number must be displayed on at least two sides of the unit (e.g., both sides of a truck/trailer or two visible sides of a cart).
After You’re Licensed
- Keep your license posted and license number visible on two sides of the unit.
- Follow all food safety rules and city codes.
- Maintain safe food temperatures and a clean, pest-free operation.
- Licenses are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.