Change of Ownership

Change of Ownership – (For Existing Food Facility and Mobile Units licensed in Harford County)

There are several steps that need to be taken when a licensed food service facility undergoes a change of ownership. Licenses are not transferrable from person to person or corporation to corporation, so the following steps must be completed prior to selling or buying a food service business. If the food service facility has an associated liquor license, these same steps must be completed in order to obtain Health Department approval for the transfer of the liquor license.

1. The current licensee shall contact the Health Department to schedule a change of ownership inspection. Allow ample time for scheduling of reinspections, as they are usually required. Keep in mind that change of ownership inspections differ significantly from routine comprehensive inspections. The focus is placed on the physical structure of the building and the condition and installation of the equipment. The following is a list of some of the items that the inspector will be looking for during the change of ownership inspection:
   1. 1. Light levels will be evaluated throughout the entire facility
      2. Hood systems will be tested using smoke bombs to verify proper exhaust and make up air
      3. Hood system must be tagged with a current cleaning sticker from a certified hood cleaning company
      4. Fire suppression systems will be checked to verify current certification
      5. All refrigeration units will be inspected to ensure they maintain proper temperature, are in good condition, and have a thermometer
      6. All equipment will be thoroughly evaluated for condition and proper installation
      7. Floors, walls, and ceilings will be evaluated to make sure they are in good repair and are constructed using approved materials
      8. Location and number of hand sinks will be evaluated
      9. Number of seats will be evaluated to verify compliance with applicable codes
      10. The facility will be evaluated to determine if all required equipment has been provided (i.e., sufficient refrigeration, prep sinks, adequate storage space, etc.)
2. Complete and return the Application for a Change of Ownership Inspection, along with the Priority Assessment and appropriate fee to the Health Department. Please contact the Health Department at 410-877-2300 for assistance determining the correct fee. Inspections will not be scheduled until this information and payment has been received.
3. Prior to the inspection, it is strongly advised that the facility be thoroughly cleaned and all previously noted violations be corrected, as well as all other known or obvious violations.
4. The prospective buyer must provide the Health Department with a copy of the proposed menu and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) information when necessary. An environmental health specialist will be assigned to guide you through the HACCP process.
5. If the facility is equipped with a grease interceptor, the current licensee must provide documentation that the unit has been pumped within the last three months. In addition, the prospective buyer must obtain a pumping contract from a licensed scavenger for routine cleaning and maintenance of the grease interceptor.
6. If the facility is serviced by a private well or an on-site sewage disposal system, these systems must be evaluated by the Land and Water Resources Division of the Health Department. These systems must be deemed in good working condition or upgrades/repairs will be required.  For facilities on a private well, recent water testing results will be required for bacteria and nitrates.
7. When the Health Department has approved the change of ownership based on a satisfactory inspection, completion of the HACCP Plan, completion of all necessary paperwork, and payment of all required fees, the new owner will be issued a Food Service Facility License.
8. If the facility is located within the Town of Bel Air, City of Havre de Grace, or City of Aberdeen, you will need to contact their offices to determine if any additional permits are required, such as a sign permit or occupancy permit.

Change of Ownership Application

Priority Assessment Form 

Credit Card Authorization Form