Do I need a license to sell hot dogs by the side of the road?

Question

I want to do a fundraiser for our nonprofit high school band organization. I want to sell hot dogs that I will buy packaged and assemble. I'm doing this in New Mexico, does the law vary by state? One of my classmates said I need a license to sell hot dogs, but I can't find any information on this anywhere. Can I sell them or where can I get this information?

Answer 1

Call the police station, they should be able to help you.

Answer 2

I think that in some places you would need a permit or something.  Check with the town hall where you live.

Answer 3

Unless you need a big Fine,YES

Answer 4

no - I do it all the time without a license. I have only been arrested for indecent exposure once - I am usually too fast to catch.

Answer 5

.   If you are going to do it for only 1 day, don't worry about it.  If it will last longer call the City Treasurer and the County Health Department. They are both helpful and they want you to be successful.

Answer 6

Depending on the city limits of where you are going to be it probably requires a vendor's license of some sort. Government always wants to get a piece of the action when money is concerned and there are sanitation issues--where is the kitchen you are using? Who says it is clean?

Go to city hall and ask that question unless you are on a state road outside of city limits. Then you will have better luck.

Answer 7

lol i don't think so

Answer 8

i dunno if its in new mexico but u need a food handling license in most places

Answer 9

The health department will care. That is a county department that inspects & licenses all food establishments.  I doubt it will be cost effective for you to do it. Try a car wash.  

Answer 10

You could need several different types of licenses.  If you are selling food, you must have a license.  You will need a license from the board of health for your cooking facilities.  Food handlers may also need a license.  In many states now, fundraisers must get a license (too many scams operating).  You'd need liability insurance (in case someone gets sick, food poisoning, or even claims a bellyache, or one of the cooks gets burned, or... ).

This idea has so many potential pitfalls you had better forget it.  It will cost you more chasing licenses than what you will make.  The risks of getting into major legal problems are too high for a school fundraiser.

Answer 11

ask your local police station.

Answer 12

Actually the laws vary from county to county, it can get pretty confusing. The good news is, you can get all the information you're needing from the County Department of Health. Give them a call (you can find the number on-line) explain what you're wanting to do and they'll be able to tell you what you can and can't do in your area.

Good luck and don't forget the onions.

Answer 13

You need to contact your local Health Department.  If they approve your idea, they will give you the right to sell food that way.      They will issue you a Permit to sell the Hot Doggies.    Good Luck.