The Food Division protects public health by enforcing the regulations of the District of Columbia.
If your facility has been closed for a violation of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (Title 25 of the DCMR), which presented an imminent health hazard, you will need to take swift corrective action in order for your license to be restored.
Here is what to do next:
- Cease operations immediately and do not resume operations until your license has been restored
- Do not remove the posted Closure Sign on your establishment’s entryway
- Correct ALL VIOLATIONS indicated on your inspection report
- Complete and submit a written request for restoration inspection with applicable fee
- A $100.00 fee is due for an inspection which takes place during normal inspectional hours. Fee must be paid before 2:00 pm at the address listed below.
- A $400.00 fee is due for an inspection which takes place in the evening or on weekends. Fee must be paid before 4:00 pm at the address listed below.
- Wait for a supervisor to schedule your restoration inspection
In some cases, the items below must be completed IN ADDITION TO those listed above.
If you were closed for operating without a valid business license you also need to:
- Contact the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) at (202)442-4400 for information on how to obtain a license. *DCRA will require an inspection report from DC Health stating that you are approved for a license*
- Send a copy of the new license to [email protected]
- Post the new license in a conspicuous location (in plain view)
- Submit a Risk Control Plan (RCP). A Risk Control Plan may be obtained by contacting [email protected]
If you were closed for having no Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) you also need to:
- Take and pass a CFPM exam given by an accredited program.
- Bring the new certificate with test score, two (2) forms of identification, and cash, check, money order, or debit/credit card to DC Health and pay the $35 processing fee to the address listed below.
- Once the DC-Issued CFPM ID is received, ensure that a CFPM is on site during all hours of operation.
If you were closed for having no DC-Issued CFPM ID Card you also need to:
- Bring your certificate with test score, two (2) forms of identification, and cash, check, money order, or debit/credit card to DC Health and pay the $35 processing fee to the address listed below.
- Once the DC-Issued CFPM ID is received, ensure that a CFPM is on site during all hours of operation.
If you were closed for failure to minimize pests you also need to:
- Have your facility serviced by a professional Pest Control Operator (PCO)
- Submit documentation of the PCO application
- Complete and Submit the Corrective Action Plan for Pests with your request
If you were closed for a sewage back up, no water/no hot water, or no electricity, you also need to:
- Provide documentation with your request from the plumber/engineer/electrician that the problem has been corrected
Once your request for a restoration inspection is received with all required information and documentation, DC Health has up to three (3) calendar days to perform a restoration inspection. Your facility must pass the restoration inspection in order for your license to be restored. If your establishment fails to pass the restoration inspection, you will be required to submit a second payment and follow the steps listed in this document.
See the links below for more information:
Food Establishment Summary Suspension Restoration Procedures
Closures and Restorations (after selecting this link, then in the left column under Type please select "Advisory", then click Apply button)
Fees