Food Permits Set to Expire for a Third of Establishments
All 2019 food permits will expire on New Year’s Eve. Douglas County Health Department (DCHD) issues 2020 permits in Omaha.
Douglas County food and drink establishments that have not paid for their new food and drink permits will be fined and risk closure if they have not paid by Tuesday, Dec. 31.
Dr. Adi Pour, Douglas County Health Department Director
Because of the holiday season, end-year responsibilities and being a busy time in December, DCHD anticipates the restaurant business to be in high demand. All of the businesses received invoices for their permits, but about a third have not paid for the New Year. County health officials reached out to remind those concerned.
New permits are required to be in place by Jan. 1 and any businesses operating without a valid permit will be doing so illegally. “Our Retail Food Safety and Compliance Section’s top priority is to keep food safe for the public,” Health Director Dr. Adi Pour stated. “The fees cover the cost of the inspections that provide that safety.”
Special events are invoiced when permit applications are made.
A county health official sent a notice to media outlets to inform the public that establishments serving food must “have their permits paid by New Year's Eve.” Phil Rooney, a resource specialist said, “We hope there will be no need for future releases.”
Anyone with questions should call the Health Department at 402-444-7488.
Adi Pour, Ph.D., Director
1111 South 41 st Street
Omaha, NE 68105