Civic Events and Community Celebrations
The City of Minneapolis requires permits and approvals for all public events involving the sale or giving away of foods and beverages or the provision of tattoo and body piercing services. The Food, Lodging & Pools program is responsible for regulating, inspecting and issuing permits for all events.
Event Sponsors
Before a civic event can be held in Minneapolis, the individual or organization planning or hosting that event must complete and submit an Event Sponsor Application
Event Food Vendors
All vendors planning to sell or dispense food or beverages at public events in Minneapolis must have permits and approval from the Food, Lodging & Pools program prior to the start of the event. Any vendor found selling or dispensing food or beverage without a permit would be considered an illegal vendor and fined.
There are two types of permits available to individuals or organizations planning to sell or dispense food and/or beverages at public events:
- Short-term Food Permit
- Seasonal Food Permit three (3) or more civic events. Valid from April 1 to March 31 of the following year.
Body Art Events
There are two types of temporary Body Art events:
- Larger shows or conventions where tattooists or piercers are invited to set up single booths where they will be practicing Body Art. These events are generally sponsored by the show or convention coordinator. A convention temporary event may be no longer than 7 consecutive days.
- Guest artist events which are held at a licensed Body Art establishment. These events are generally sponsored by the establishment owner or a tattooist or piercer already licensed at the establishment.
All participating body artists must be licensed or permitted by the State of Minnesota prior to the event and must show proof of license or permit to the Minneapolis Food, Lodging & Pools program.
The event sponsor must obtain a "Sponsor of Temporary Tattooing/Piercing Event" license and assumes responsibility in ensuring that the event is in compliance and that the participating artists have obtained proper licensure and will be operating within the regulations and event guidelines.
Last updated Jan. 8, 2013