Anyone wanting to operate a retail food service establishment or food store in NH must obtain a license from the Food Protection Program by submitting an application with the appropriate fee and meet the requirements of NH Administrative Rules for the sanitary production and distribution of food. 

The Food Protection Program oversees the licensing and inspection of the following food service establishments; each has specific eligibility and licensing requirements:

• Bed & Breakfast
• Commercial Kitchens
• Food Service & Food Store
• Mobile Food Units & Services
• Residential Kitchens

Self-Inspecting Cities and Towns

In NH, 16 cities and towns have authority to self-inspect and license food service establishments within their jurisdictions.