Health and Food

Last updated or reviewed on March 27, 2026

Public property events involving food or beverage service require advance planning for health compliance, sanitation, utilities, and waste handling. This page outlines the requirements that may apply to temporary food vendors, mobile food units, alcohol service, and related event operations.

Food Service Overview

Events that include food or beverage service may require additional approvals, permits, and operational planning. Depending on the setup, this can include temporary food establishments, mobile food trucks, pushcarts, and alcohol-related activity. Organizers should begin planning early and coordinate with the appropriate agencies well in advance of the event.

Temporary Food Vendors

In most cases, Buncombe County Health and Human Services – Environmental Health Division requires a Temporary Food Establishment Permit for each temporary tent food vendor participating at an event. These vendors must apply individually no later than 15 days before the event, be inspected, and obtain permits before engaging in food preparation or distribution, and display those permits at each booth. A flame-certified tent must cover each vendor’s full operation.

Mobile Food Trucks and Pushcarts

Mobile food trucks and pushcarts must maintain operational permits issued by Buncombe County Health and Human Services – Environmental Health Division. Event organizers are required to provide the Office of Special Events with copies of those operational permits for each participating food truck or pushcart no later than one week prior to the event. Mobile food trucks are authorized to vend only on a public street, sidewalk, or right-of-way as part of an approved outdoor special event, and special event permits will not be approved solely to authorize an independent mobile food vendor to operate.

Power and Potable Water

Event organizers are responsible for making sure participating vendors have the power and potable water access needed for safe operation. Temporary food establishments require both. The range of electrical and utility needs for food vendors can create avoidable problems if not addressed in advance, so utility planning should be part of early event development.

Generators and Fuel Restrictions

Where generators are authorized for mobile food trucks, the generator must operate at 65 decibels or less and be properly attached to the vehicle. In the Downtown fire districts and the Biltmore Village Historic District, gasoline generators are prohibited, so vendors must connect to existing power or use event-supplied temporary power. Diesel generators may be considered only with the approval of an Electrical Permit secured by the event organizer.

Open Flame and Cooking Operations

Authorization for the use of open flame for food preparation by temporary food establishments is secured by the event organizer through an Operational Fire Permit. Existing grills in park properties do not require operational fire permitting, but temporary food operations using open flame must be planned and approved in advance.

Alcoholic Beverages

The possession, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages at outdoor special events on public property are regulated by both City ordinance and North Carolina law. The sale and consumption of beer or unfortified wine require a Special One-Time Permit from the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, a resolution by Asheville City Council, and confirmation of liquor liability coverage. The Office of Special Events maintains a 10:00 p.m. curfew on alcohol consumption, with final sales no later than 9:30 p.m., and prohibits glass containers.

Sanitation and Waste Handling

Food and beverage operations require advance planning for sanitation and proper disposal. Temporary food establishments must include ground cover to protect lawns, streets, and hardscapes from grease, food waste, and spills. Closed-lid receptacles are required for food waste, greywater, cooking oil, and grease, and Buncombe County requires closed-lid dumpsters or containers. The event organizer is responsible for arranging proper disposal through an appropriate service provider. Improper disposal or spills may result in permit violations and fines.

Deadlines for Food and Beverage Materials

Food and beverage-related materials are subject to specific deadlines in the approval process. Lists of food and beverage vendors are due no later than three weeks prior to the event, Buncombe County Environmental Health operational permits for mobile food trucks and pushcarts are due one week prior to the event, and NCABC Special One-Time Permits are also due one week prior to the event. Missing these deadlines can result in the cancellation of the permit process.

Outside Agency Coordination

Event organizers are responsible for contacting Buncombe County Health and Human Services – Environmental Health at least 4 weeks prior to the event to discuss food vendor participation. Alcohol service also requires coordination with the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission and completion of the City approval process for alcohol service on public property.

Food and Beverage Forms and Resources

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