Legal Question in Business Law in Arizona

Home-based food business

I am thinking of starting a home-based business where I would cook food for a few students at a nearby university and sell it to them at either cost price or for very little profit. In either cases, what sort of licenses do I need e.g. business license, food permit, zoning? If I am not making any money (they either buy vegetables / pay for the ingredients alone) can I treat it as if I was cooking for a house guest who was paying for his share of the meal.


Asked on 1/29/07, 9:18 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
James Jenkins Jenkins Law Center PLC

Re: Home-based food business

Unfortunately you will find that what you are proposing will most likely not work. The State of Arizona will require you to have a food service license, and will likely not let you prepare the food in your home, since it is not a licensed kitchen. You would need a commercial location, not a residential location, according to my information. I know of a case where a lady tried a similar thing and she was shut down. Feel free to make anonymous inquiries with the health department of the county, state and city. The price you charge may be irrelevant, since the regulations apply even if you don't make any profit.

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Answered on 1/29/07, 12:59 pm


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