18A — Permit not held to operate a food-service establishment
Every food-service establishment must hold a valid NYC permit to operate. Not having one is a non-scored administrative item in terms of grade points, but it's the most serious item on this list by consequence: operating without a valid permit can get you shut down on the spot, independent of any score. Permits lapse when renewals are missed, so the usual cause is an expired permit nobody tracked. If the permit isn't valid, the operation has to stop until it's restored through the Health Department's Permit & License Center.
What the inspector looks for
Confirm the establishment holds a current, valid NYC food-service permit and that the name/address match. Operating without a valid permit is grounds for closure no matter the points. (The citation itself is non-scored, but the consequence is severe.)
How it's scored
This is an administrative item — it is not scored toward your A/B/C letter grade, but it can still be cited on an inspection.
How to fix it
Cease operating until a valid permit is obtained; contact the Health Department's Permit & License Center.
How to prevent it
Obtain and renew the required permit before operating; keep it valid and posted.
- ✓Track the permit expiration date and start renewal well before it lapses.
- ✓If a permit has expired, stop operating and contact the DOHMH Permit & License Center immediately.
- ✓Keep the permit number and renewal account details with your core compliance records.
- ✓Verify the business name and address on the permit match your current operation after any ownership or location change.
Reference: Health Code §81.05(a)
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