Special Events program

Thank you for your interest regarding the Maricopa County Environmental Health Special Events Program. The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department is the regulatory authority that issues "Temporary Food Service Establishment" permits for food and beverage concessions at special events. It is the Department's responsibility to regulate the food sold at these events. If food or drink is not prepared and handled in a sanitary manner, the public's health may be at risk.

For questions or requests for additional information, contact the Special Events Coordinator at (602) 506-6978, or by email at SpecialEvents@mail.maricopa.gov

Temporary Events

Temporary events include parades, street fairs, festivals, and similar events that operate for not more than fourteen consecutive days within any permit year, provided it is the same permit holder at the same location and event. At the termination of the event, the temporary food service establishment shall be removed from the premises.

Requirements

In order to sell or give away any food or beverage product at an event, you are required to apply for a "Temporary Food Service Establishment" permit and pay an associated permit fee. Please read the following Food and Beverage Vendor hecklist for additional requirements and information. The Guide to Temporary Food Service at Special Events and Application for Temporary Food Service Establishment Permit may be filled out on-line, downloaded, and printed.

• A completed application and $85.00 permit fee per booth must be submitted seven days prior to the start of the event. All mailed payments must be Arizona Checks or money orders. Please make checks payable to MCESD. Cash is accepted if paying the Cashier at our location at 1001 N. Central Ave in Phoenix (no debit/credit).
• Note that if an application is submitted less than seven days prior to the event, an additional $35.00 will be charged for the Temporary Food Service Permit.
• Permits must be obtained prior to the start of the event. Inspectors cannot issue permits or collect permit fees on site at events.
• Only those vendors selling bottled water or canned soda (unopened, from an approved source) are exempt from obtaining a Temporary Food Service permit. All other vendors, regardless of product, are required to obtain a permit and pay the required fee per booth.
• Those individuals who currently posses a valid Maricopa County Mobile Food, Pushcart, Food Peddler or Catering permit are not required to pay the permit fee. However, a completed application form with a copy of the permit is requested. Caterers should submit an Application for Use of Catering Permits at Special Events? to ensure that they are on the list of vendors.

Downloads

• Coordinator Information Sheet
• Temporary Food Service Guide
• Application for Temporary Food Establishment
• Application for use of Catering permits at Special Events