- Agency
- Cleveland Department of Public Health for locations in the city, or the Cuyahoga County Board of Health for many suburbs
- Paperwork
- A transfer of the current food license to the buyer with a notarized letter from the current owner, or a new license if the rules call for one
- The clock
- Start before closing, and confirm which health department covers the address, since the city and the county run separate programs
Watch for: Letting a license lapse. For a place closed under a year, the city's sheet says a new owner must buy a new license, so keep the restaurant open through closing.
Two health departments
Cleveland has its own health department, and the Cuyahoga County Board of Health serves many other communities in the county. The county lists food service, food establishment and mobile license applications on its website.
Call the right office before you promise a buyer a timeline.
What the city's transfer sheet says
The Cleveland Department of Public Health publishes information for new owners. It says a license can be transferred with no transfer fee when the current owner gives a notarized letter authorizing the transfer.
Only one transfer is allowed per license period, and a new owner of an establishment closed for under a year must buy a new license.
Suburban locations
Rules for other communities may differ, and some health departments treat a change of ownership as a new license.
We could not confirm the county's exact process, so ask the Board of Health whether it transfers the license or issues a new one, and whether an inspection comes first.
Other approvals
A bar or restaurant that serves alcohol deals with a separate state permit process. Buyers should also ask about fire inspections and the building's certificate of occupancy, covered in that guide.
Inspections and equipment
New owners often need the health department to inspect the premises, and an old violation can follow the location. Fix known problems before you list, and keep the last inspection report handy for buyers.
List equipment that stays, such as hoods, coolers and fryers, so the buyer knows what the license covers and what must be replaced.
Plan the calendar
Licenses sit on the critical path of a closing. If the new owner cannot operate on day one, rent keeps running and staff leave. Agree in the contract who applies, who pays any fee and what happens if approval is late.
Checklist for the seller
- Copies of the current food license and last inspection
- A notarized letter if the city route applies
- The health department's contact and process in writing
- A closing date that leaves time for approval
Related steps
For what buyers pay for restaurants, read selling a restaurant and bar. Close the tax accounts too: Cleveland net profit tax. Then request a price opinion.
This page is general information and not tax or legal advice. Confirm the process and timing with your attorney, the city or county health department and the Ohio agency that handles liquor permits.