Permits
Coffee and cart permits in Connecticut
To sell coffee in Connecticut, you work with your county health department for food and mobile vending permits, then add a business license and state tax registration. Pick your county below for the department that handles your area and the steps to open.
8 counties in Connecticut. 8 have a detailed permit page below. For any other county, check your ZIP and we will point you to the right health department.
Statewide rules in Connecticut
In Connecticut, local health departments issue food service permits under the DPH Food Protection Program, with a statewide reciprocal system for mobile vendors across participating towns.
- Food & vending permits
- Connecticut DPH Food Protection Program, food service licensing (issued by local health departments)
- Sales tax rate
- 6.35% statewide sales tax rateThis is a single statewide rate with no county or city sales tax added on top.Connecticut DRS sales tax information
- Food safety cards
- One Certified Food Protection Manager per establishment under Sec. 19a-36h-4 of the state regulations.
Official links, last verified July 14, 2026. Requirements vary by city and change over time.
Confirm the current steps and fees before you apply.