What is Catering?

NAC 446.0122 defines a “Caterer” as “…an approved food establishment that is capable of serving or preparing food at a location other than its primary location.”

Catering, then, is preparing, delivering and serving food at a premises or an event. This is usually done on a contract basis. If you agree to deliver and serve the food, the proper equipment for food protection and maintaining food temperatures is required according to the Regulations 1996 Governing the Sanitation of Food Establishments sections 96.02.0100-96.04.0500, and 96.05.0100-0600.

Who may be a caterer?

Any person who has a Health Permit for the preparation and service of food issued by the Southern Nevada Health District.

Can any permitted food establishment do catering, i.e., a restaurant?

Yes, any food establishment can cater, provided that the food establishment possesses the necessary equipment to prepare and transport the menu items. The food establishment must follow the regulations when preparing, transporting and serving the food.

I cook and serve in private homes / churches / clubs using the home or facility equipment in the home or facility kitchen. Must I have a permit from the Health District?

No, you are a “private chef.” Private chefs that use a homeowner’s / church’s / private club’s kitchen to prepare and serve foods in a private venue are not required to have a Health Permit.

The homeowner / church / club must provide the food, or the “private chef” must obtain the food to be prepared from a retail source and transport the foods directly to the venue. Any interim storage of foods is prohibited without a permit.

The Health District recommends that a “private chef” attend an accredited course in food safety.

Is my catering permit sufficient for special events?

Generally not. Unless you have been contracted to provide a banquet or some similar service as part of the event, and do not sell food directly to individual customers, you will be required to obtain a Temporary Health Permit.

If the temporary event is by “invitation only,” and you do not sell food directly to individual customers, then you do not have to have a temporary permit because the event is considered “private.” However, if you prepare, sell or give food away at temporary events that are open to the public, then you will need a temporary permit. Usually, each food booth or tent has a temporary permit at a special event.

As a permitted caterer, what if I provide food to a special event that is open to the public, but I will not be onsite to dispense the food. Is a temporary permit required?

No. The coordinator of the special event, as well as the seller of the food you provided, must obtain the permits.

How do I become a permitted caterer in Clark County?

For more information on becoming a permitted catering in Clark County visit the Food Service Catering Plan Review Requirements webpage.