Waukesha County

We issue annual transient food and drink licenses to food vendors for special events. Events include:

A transient food stand serves food to the public at one location for no more than 14 consecutive days.

A non-profit food stand serving meals may operate up to three days within a calendar year. After three days, a license and payment is required.
A non-profit food stand serving retail foods (non-meals) is allowed to operate up to twelve days per calendar year. After twelve days, a license and payment is required.
Food stands at youth sporting events, such as a little league game, that operate for the benefit of the youth sports team or program.
Home bakers selling baked goods following DATCP Guidelines
Pickle Bill

Free food samples

Sampling of free, bite sized portions of any food item will not require licensing as long as they meet these requirements:

Food is obtained from an approved source.
Sample should be bite-sized portions.
Samples are free – no samples are being sold.
Samples are safely dispensed to the public. All samples must be dispensed individually in disposable containers, on single service napkins, or served with disposable utensils.
Food is kept at proper temperature.
No bare hand contact with the food is allowed. Gloves or utensils are required to be used.
A temporary hand washing station should be set-up.
A wash, rinse, sanitizing station should be set up if utensils used to prep or portion samples will need to be washed onsite.

If you have a current transient food license from another jurisdiction, you can vend at Waukesha County events.
Make sure to have the current license with you. If you can’t show your license, you may be required to buy a transient food license from us.
Keep your most recent inspection report for your license with you at every event. The Inspectors will review and may determine that an inspection is not required.
Please note: Even with a license and inspection report from another jurisdiction, you may be subject to an inspection and inspection fee.

Event coordinators have an important role in assuring food safety. By working together, we will:

Identify and resolve potential public health concerns before the event
Make sure vendors complete their license application and pay fees.
Submit a Food Vendor Participant Log
Educate vendors about food safety requirements.
Provide a Environmental Health representative at vendor meeting(s) if requested.

Fill out the Plan of Operation and Application Form and submit back to our office along with the appropriate fee.
The application and payment can be submitted by mail or in person:
- - Waukesha County Environmental Health Division, 515 W Moreland Blvd., Room AC260, Waukesha, WI 53188
  - By phone once the application form has been submitted by email.
Call us at 262-896-8300 or email us before the event to discuss your food stand set up.
Check with your local municipality for zoning, fire, and/or other local requirements.
For questions, to get help completing this application, or to contact an Environmental Health Inspector, call Environmental Heath at 262-896-8300 or email us.

Duration:

Each license issued by Waukesha County expires June 30 of each year.
License dates extend from July 1 of one year through June 30 of the following year.
If a license is granted after April 1 of a license year, that license will extend to June 30 of the following year.

Example: If a business is licensed on April 1, 2023, then its license will expire June 30, 2024.

Resources: