Temporary Business License

A Temporary Business License is valid for 14 consecutive days or less within any three-month period. All businesses must abide by all laws and regulations, including zoning, fire codes and health directives.  Failure to comply can result in suspension or revocation of the business license.

Questions? Call 573.874.7378 or e-mail Business.license@CoMo.Gov

Application Forms

Return completed forms to:

Business License Office
Finance Department
City of Columbia
P.O. Box 6015
701 East Broadway
Columbia, MO  65205

Temporary Entertainment Event – Carnival, circus, etc

Fees:

$30.00 application fee plus a license fee based upon gross receipts during event:

GROSS RECEIPT AMOUNT LICENSE FEE
less than $25,000 $15.00
between $25,000 and $100,000 $25.00
over $100,000 $.25 per thousand

If you are selling / serving food or drink, contact the Health Department at 573.874.7346

Food Inspection Fee:

  • $40.00 – 1 to 3 consecutive days
  • $70.00 – 4 to 14 consecutive days

Additional Requirements:

  • Diagram of the event area that includes dimensions and location of vendors, tents, rides, etc.
  • Certificate of insurance naming City of Columbia as additional insured
  • Carnival owner must provide a copy of State safety inspections for each ride
  • Letter or lease agreement from property owners where event is being held
  • MO Sales Tax number must be obtained from the MO Dept. of Revenue by calling 573.751.2836 or 573.751.3505
  • If you set up tents or display signs, contact the Building & Site Development Division at 573.874.7474
  • Area must be ADA accessible     
  • Provide names and phone numbers of two (2) contact persons

Temporary Business Stand – stationary booth, tent, street stand, etc.

Fees:

$30.00 application fee plus a license fee based upon gross receipts during event:

GROSS RECEIPT AMOUNT LICENSE FEE
less than $25,000 $15.00
between $25,000 and $100,000 $25.00
over $100,000 $.25 per thousand

If you are selling / serving food or drink, contact the Health Department at 573.874.7346

Food Inspection Fee:

  • $40.00 – 1 to 3 consecutive days
  • $70.00 – 4 to 14 consecutive days

Additional Requirements:

  • Letter or lease agreement from property owners where temporary business is located
  • MO Sales Tax number must be obtained from the MO Dept. of Revenue by calling 573.751.2836 or 573.751.3505
  • If you set up tents or display signs, contact the Building & Site Development Division at 573.874.7474

Temporary Special Event – Show or festival with vendors, booth/exhibit rental, etc.

Note:  The Promoter of the event must obtain the temporary special event license

Fees:

$30.00 application fee plus $5.00 per day per vendor / participant

  • Maximum fee of $15.00 per vendor/participant.

If you are selling / serving food or drink, contact the Health Department at 573.874.7346

Food Inspection Fee:

  • $40.00 – 1 to 3 consecutive days
  • $70.00 – 4 to 14 consecutive days

Additional Requirements:

  •  If alcoholic beverages will be served outside the licensed premise, a caterers permit must be obtained
  • Listing of vendors/participants
  • Diagram of the event area that includes dimensions and location of vendors, tents, etc.
  • Certificate of insurance naming City of Columbia as additional insured
  • Letter or lease agreement from property owners where event is being held
  • MO Sales Tax number must be obtained from MO Dept. of Revenue, 573.751.2836 or 573.751.3505 (if required)
  • If you set up tents or display signs, contact the Building & Site Development Division at 573.874.7474
  • Area must be ADA accessible
  • Security for the event, if necessary
  • Parking arrangements