South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

We promote and protect the health of the public and the environment.

• Food Industry: Rules/Guidelines
• Permits - Types, Application
• Do I Need a Permit?
• Build Out Problems (Plan Review)
• Inspections
• Healthcare Facility Food Service
• Violations
• Staff Training: Resources
• Investigations
• Boil Water Emergencies
• Overuse of Antibiotics a Danger
• Outdoor Cooking
• Prevent Food Tampering
• Service Animals Allowed
• Approval to Market Food Products
• Dairy Products/Raw Milk
• Soft Drinks, Bottled Water, Ice Plants
• S.C. Food Safety Regulations
• Contact Us

• Related DHEC Websites
• Food Safety for Home Cooks
• Food Safety and S.C. Public Health
• Environmental Health Home

Community Celebrations, Festivals and Other Special Events (1-3 Days)

Food Permit Needed

Anyone preparing or serving potentially hazardous food at a community celebration, festival, promotion or similar event lasting no more than three consecutive days will need a Special Events Permit.

• Special Events permits are free.
• Contact the DHEC public health department where the event will be held prior to the event. Food safety staff will outline safe food service and permitting requirements and suggest resources that can help you have a safe and organized special event.
• See DHEC’s Food Service at Special Events booklet (pdf) and Food Safety for Fundraisers and Large Groups (pdf)
• Also see SC regulation 61-25 Retail Food Establishments, which lists requirements for special event permit holders.

No food permit is needed for these types of 1-3 day special events if you are only serving foods that are 'not potentially hazardous' such as pre-packaged potato chips.