Key Points at a Glance

• Food businesses must be registered with the Zurich Cantonal Laboratory (KLZ) before commencing operations.
• Depending on the type of business, a restaurant license, a street vendor permit, and a permit for the use of public land may be required.
• A restaurant license must be obtained in particular if food or beverages are served for consumption on the premises. Exceptions apply to small non-alcoholic establishments with no more than ten standing or seated seats.
• A corresponding license is required for the sale of alcoholic beverages in small and medium-sized establishments. However, this does not permit on-site service.
• The itinerant vendor permit may be waived for sales at officially designated markets, fairs, exhibitions, trade shows, annual fairs, or neighborhood festivals.
• Permission from the local municipality is generally required for the use of public property. For private property, the owner’s consent is required.
• When selling alcohol, tobacco, nicotine products, and vapes, youth protection regulations apply.
• Sole proprietors are generally liable without limitation with both their business and personal assets.

Requirements

Anyone who operates a food stand or food truck as an individual under their own name and on their own responsibility automatically runs a sole proprietorship—with unlimited liability for both business and personal assets.

As soon as you produce, process, store, or sell food or beverages, your business must be registered with the Cantonal Laboratory of Zurich (KLZ).

For the actual business operations, you will need the following, depending on your situation:

Food Safety Registration with the Zurich Cantonal LaboratoryThis is required if food or beverages are handled. Mobile food service operations are inspected on a risk-based basis, just like stationary establishments.

Restaurant License

This must be checked if food or beverages are served for on-site consumption in publicly accessible locations. Exceptions apply in particular to small non-alcoholic establishments with a maximum of ten standing or seated places.

Traveler’s Permit

This is generally required when goods or services are offered while traveling or outside of permanent business premises. No traveling permit is required if the activity is carried out at officially designated markets, fairs, exhibitions, trade shows, annual fairs, or neighborhood festivals.

Permit for the Use of Public Land

If the stand is located on public land, a permit from the local municipality is generally required. For the use of private land, the owner’s consent is required.

License for the retail sale of alcohol

Anyone selling alcoholic beverages in small and medium quantities to end consumers requires the appropriate license. This license does not permit on-site consumption. If alcohol is to be consumed on the premises, a restaurant license or a temporary license must be obtained in accordance with hospitality regulations.

Protection of Minors

Age restrictions apply to the sale of alcohol. Alcoholic beverages may not be sold or served to anyone under the age of 16. Spirits and alcopops may not be sold or served to anyone under the age of 18. As of October 1, 2024, tobacco, nicotine products, and vapes may not be sold to anyone under the age of 18 anywhere in Switzerland.

Hygiene and Self-Monitoring

Anyone who produces, processes, stores, transports, or dispenses food must comply with food safety hygiene regulations. These include, in particular, proper refrigeration, clean work surfaces, protection against contamination, correct storage, traceability, and adequate self-monitoring. For mobile operations, water, wastewater, power supply, refrigeration, and cleaning must also be ensured through proper organizational measures.

Note:
The information on this page is for guidance only and is not exhaustive. Details should be clarified with experts or the relevant authorities as early as possible.