MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. (News Release) — Mecklenburg County Public Health will now permit more bars that serve food in Mecklenburg County as Session Law 2023-129, sec 16 (HB 125) goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2024. North Carolina will require that any bar that prepares or serves food requiring temperature and time control obtain a Health Department Permit for food service.
“Public Health’s leading role is to keep our community safe, and this change in law will help us to do that, I applaud state leaders for their collaboration and partnership,” said Dr. Raynard Washington, Mecklenburg County Public Health director. “There are still exceptions to the new law, so my advice for the public is if they are eating food at a bar and have concerns, look for the Public Health Inspection Certificate as it must be prominently displayed.”
Mecklenburg County Public Health’s Environmental Health Division has been working since Oct. 1, when the law was passed to execute the new mandate. Public Health sent notification letters with instructions to the 268 potentially affected facilities using the Alcohol Beverage Control board and department records. Further research and attempts to contact all bar facilities to assess whether they will need a food service permit are ongoing. Any facility that has a question regarding their status, or food options that will not require a permit is encouraged to call Mecklenburg County Environmental Health at 980-314-1620 to speak with a Plans Examiner.
For bars receiving a permit, Environmental Health staff will provide training or guidance needed to ensure a smooth transition as inspections occur and permits are issued.
Operators may use one of Mecklenburg County Public Health’s many access points for the public to view information about food service establishments, including Public Health’s Environmental Health webpage. Inspection reports for food service establishments that fall under public health inspection can also be viewed on the site, or by using the Yelp app. On the app, view the last inspection at an establishment in the Info section, under Health score.
