To get a coffee shop license in Kentucky, secure state, local, and health approvals in this order so you can open without delays. Register your entity with the Kentucky Secretary of State, get an EIN, then use the Kentucky One Stop Business Portal to register with the Department of Revenue for Sales & Use Tax (6%) and employer withholding if hiring. Obtain your city/county occupational/business license and zoning/use approval; new build-outs require building, plumbing, electrical permits and a fire inspection leading to a Certificate of Occupancy. For food service, submit a plan review to your local health department for a Retail Food Establishment permit: include menu, scaled floor plan, equipment spec sheets (NSF/ANSI), plumbing layout with hand sinks, a 3-compartment sink, mop sink, hot water sizing, finish schedule, and water/sewer approvals (grease interceptor if required by the utility). Designate a Certified Food Protection Manager and schedule the pre-opening inspection. If you roast on-site, evaluate Kentucky Division for Air Quality permitting; small roasters may be de minimis but still require notification. Serving alcohol (e.g., Irish coffee) triggers state ABC and local ABC retail drink licensing; verify quota status and food-percentage rules. Build a 2–6 week timeline from plan review to inspection.
