Permits, Licenses & Inspections
Senior centers are required to operate under the laws and regulations of Maryland and the county or city in which they are located.
Food Service Permits
Facility Permit
Senior centers must obtain a food service permit from the local health department if they serve food in the center. This permit is to be displayed at all times and is renewed yearly or in accordance with local code. Senior centers that offer the Eating Together Program are inspected regularly to ensure that regulations for proper food handling and serving are being followed.
Manager Certification
Senior Centers located in Montgomery, Prince George's, and Baltimore Counties, and the City of Annapolis are required to have a Certified Foodservice Manager be on-site during foodservice operations. The Certified Foodservice Manager must have full control over sanitation and preparation procedures, and supervise other food-service employees in these areas. Baltimore City and Howard County require that at least one Certified Foodservice Manager be on staff, but does not necessarily need to be on-site during foodservice operations.
Activity Permits
Senior centers that offer bingo or any other type of gaming are required to obtain a Gaming Permit from a local government agency, usually the Department of Permits. Local governments establish regulations that the centers must follow for bingo and gaming events.
A Casino Event Permit may be required if card games and/or roulette are included. If the gaming event is offered on a regular basis, an annual permit may be allowed. Individual gaming permits are required for one-time special events. After each gaming event, the center must report any income or loss.
Gathering Permit
Senior centers that offer public entertainment, picnics or other special events may be required to obtain a gathering permit. The permit is issued without charge and does not apply to regular meetings held by the center. For outdoor events with amplified music, an outdoor music festival permit may be required.
Liquor License
Some senior centers in Maryland allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages within the senior center building and grounds. Often, alcoholic beverages are served during special events such as dances and parties. A liquor license may be required.
Inspections
- Food service facility inspection
- Fire alarm inspection
- Fire sprinkler inspection
- Fire extinguisher inspection