Food Protection and Inspection

The food protection services offered by the health department are included in the Food Service, Retail Market, Vending, Temporary and Mobile Food Service, Farmer’s Market, Bed and Breakfast, and Food Manager Certification programs. Approximately 133 establishments in Clark County are permitted and regulated. These include restaurants, schools, daycare centers, nursing homes, hospitals, delicatessens, ice-cream shops, bars, caterers, vending machines, supermarkets, neighborhood grocery stores, meat and seafood markets, convenience stores, produce and farmers’ markets and permanent and temporary vendors.

The State food laws and regulations are achieved through inspections, notice issuance, administrative conferences and formal legal action. Establishments are inspected based on applicable regulations, usually two times per year.

Construction plans for new and remodeled establishments are reviewed for approval. Food protection services also include investigations of consumer complaints regarding conditions at food establishments, including outbreaks of foodborne illness.

If you plan to open a restaurant, grocery store or catering business in Clark County, these items should help you get there. NOTE: You cannot cater out of a home kitchen.

If you plan to move into an existing building where a restaurant or grocery has recently closed, contact us at (859) 744-1488 to find out if what you are proposing can be done in the existing structure without a lot of costly renovations. If you plan to move into a building that has never or not recently been a restaurant or grocery store, or if you plan to build a new building, contact us. You will need to submit plumbing plans prior to construction. The Plumbing Inspector is in the office on Fridays from 8am-930am and will be located at 273 Shoppers Drive.

Put your plans (a scaled drawing of your proposal) on paper. A floor plan showing your kitchen layout, equipment and necessary plumbing fixtures is required. A plumbing riser diagram (your licensed plumber can do this) is also required. The food safety specialist will review your plans to see if your proposal meets all applicable laws and requirements. If there are any changes to be recommended, it’s easier and less costly for you to make changes before the facility is constructed. Plumbing plans are forwarded to the Division of Plumbing in Frankfort for approval. Once your plans are approved, you may begin construction of your restaurant or grocery store. Approval by the local plumbing inspector and the health inspector are required prior to opening for business.

You will need to apply for a permit to operate. Call (859) 744-1488 to set up a pre-opening inspection. Permit fees vary according to the type of facility you plan to operate.

There may be a time when you as the restaurant manager or owner may need to close your establishment immediately.

You should close your restaurant:

• During a water emergency
• If there is a sewage overflow,
• After a fire, flood, etc.,
• If you have no electricity,
• When an employee’s illness or other conditions threaten public health.

If there is a question as to whether you should keep your establishment open, call (859) 744-1488 and we will be glad to answer any questions you may have.