Doing Business in Burlington:  Special Considerations

Make sure you read "Start Up Basics" for information all start-ups need to consider. You'll find items such as registering your business with the state, filing for a tax identification number, and when and why to contact Planning & Zoning and Public Works.

Contact the Vermont Health Department.  You'll need a health permit.  You can get the permit application online or by calling the local office at 802·863·7221.  Once the application is reviewed, they will schedule a site visit to inspect your operation.  Plan for at least 10 days.

Contact the Clerk/Treasurer's Office in Burlington (802·865·7000).  You'll need information and forms for the Gross Receipts tax and for acquiring a Liquor License.  The Clerk's office also administers tobacco licenses, entertainment permits, outside consumption permits, and catering permits.

What are Gross Receipts Taxes?  The City requires that businesses that sell meals, alcohol, charge admissions for amusements, or are considered a hotel, motel, B&B, etc., to register with the City.  They must file monthly returns and pay 2% taxes on all admissions, alcohol, amusements and meals.  Contact the City Clerk  (802·865·7000) at City Hall for the forms. 

Obtaining a Liquor License. The City Clerk (802·865·7000) at City Hall provides information and forms for obtaining a liquor license.  Your application for a liquor license will receive many reviews, including the Police Department, the City Attorney, the Clerk/Treasurer's office, Planning & Zoning, the License/Local Control Subcommittee, the Local Control Committee and the State Liquor Commission.

Step one is to fill out the appropriate Liquor License application (there are three types, and fees apply) and submit it to the Clerk/Treasurer's office.  The Clerk will schedule the applicant to appear before the License/Local Control Subcommittee, which will then make its recommendation to the Local Control Committee. 

If approved, the Clerk's office sends the application to the state for final approval.  The Clerk's office will notify notify the applicant.

Application forms are available online.

Obtaining a Catering Permit.  First, apply for a Permit/Number through the Vermont Department of Health (802·863·7200) at 108 Cherry Street.  After you receive your number, you must obtain a Request for Catering from the Clerk/Treasurer's office (802·865·7000) in City Hall.  After approval, the Clerk's office will mail the application for final review to the Vermont Liquor Control Board in Montpelier.

You should also contact the Vermont Department of Health (802·863·7200) and obtain their Guide to Starting New Food or Lodging Business in Vermont.

Advice

Plan on up to six weeks for your Health Permit and eight weeks for your Liquor License.  Read on.

Meals Tax:

Restaurants, bars, hotels, and caterers (among others) are required to pay the State's meals tax, currently at 9%.  When you file a state tax ID application, there will be a place on that form to establish that account.  Call the Vermont Department of Taxes (802·828·2551)for information.

Advice

 The process of obtaining liquor license requires some planning and patience as it can take up to 2 months to accomplish.

Your application for a liquor license will receive many reviews, including the Police Department, the City Attorney, the Clerk/Treasurer's office, Planning & Zoning, the License/Local Control Subcommittee, the Local Control Committee and the State Liquor Commission.