Chicago City Passes Food License Ordinance Amendment

Council members passed an amendment to the Chicago business licensing ordinances aimed at helping entrepreneurs begin marketing their foods with little need for start-up capital. Residents can now purchase a ‘Shared Kitchen License’ that allows pioneer chefs to market any food they cook in a ‘shared kitchen.’

Both ‘shared kitchen’ operators and users are required to purchase a Retail Food License. The amendment has lowered the cost for the Retail Food License from $660 biennially to $330 every second year. City council has also created a short term food license that is valid for 90 days at a cost of $75.

Council members are hopeful that this amendment will help foster the growth of small businesses in Chicago.

“This ordinance supports an emerging creative food industry in Chicago. Shared kitchens serve as incubators for food businesses that do not have the start-up capital to invest in a commercial kitchen,” said Mayor Richard M. Daley.

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