§ 43.1-3-1. Permits for Food Establishments.

(a)

No person shall operate a food establishment unless that person possesses a valid permit issued by the Director. Only a person who complies with the requirements of this Chapter shall be entitled to receive or retain such a permit. Permits are not transferable. A valid permit shall be posted in every food establishment in a conspicuous place in the public view. Food establishment permits are issued for a calendar year and expire on December 31 regardless of the month of issue.

(b)

An initial application fee and an annual renewal application fee shall be assessed for each permitted food establishment, including temporary food stands operating less than 14 days in accordance with Section 43.1-7-1 of this Chapter. A portion of this fee is designated to support a program of food safety education to include, for example, but not be limited to a quarterly newsletter, food advisories, and food safety publications. Such fee shall not be applicable to food establishments operated by the Office of Food and Nutrition Services of the Fairfax County School Public Schools; or to any Fairfax County agency; however, such fees shall apply to private vendors subcontracted by Fairfax County to operate food establishments. The application fee shall be based on a calendar year and shall be due and payable on or before December 31 or upon initial application. The fee shall not be prorated. An additional fee shall be assessed for renewal applications received after December 31.

(c)

Establishments failing to file the required application for renewal of the permit will be operating without a valid permit and will be subject to immediate closure in accordance with Section 43.1-3-8 of this Chapter. (34-97-43.1; 14-01-43.1; 21-06-43.1; 23-09-43.1.)