1. Food Service at Special
Events and Temporary
Events in South Carolina

2. How are these events defined?
 Community celebrations
 Festivals
 SpecialPromotions
 …or similar events

3. Special Event vs. Temporary
Event
 Length of the event determines whether it
is a special event or temporary event
– Special event 1-3 days
– Temporary event 4-14 days
*Anything greater than 14 days would require
a permanent retail food license.

4. Special Events
 Requires a tent or covered area
 If grills are used, they can be outside of the
tent/covered area as long they have a lid
 Requires a hand washing facility or a
temporary hand washing station.

5. Special Events Continued….
 Food must come prepared and ready to
serve or cook. No extensive preparation
done on site.
 All food must be kept below 45ºF or
above 130ºF.
 Food must be protected from
contamination at all times.
– ie: Lids and/or sneeze guards
 Vendor must have a probe thermometer
to check product temperatures.

6. Temporary Events
 Physical requirements change
– Floors must be cleanable (no grass/dirt).
– Walls must be solid and easily cleanable up to
the counter height.
– Counter to ceiling can be screened or solid.
– Counter service opening must have a fly fan,
self-closing window, free-falling window or
screen.

7. Temporary Events Continued…
 Requiresa hand sink and at minimum a
one compartment sink with hot and cold
running water.

8. Temporary Events Continued…
 All food must be kept below 45ºF or above
130ºF.
 Vendor must have a probe thermometer to
check product temperatures and a test kit
to measure sanitizer concentration.

9. Organizer’s Responsibilities
 Provide a list of food vendors name,
address, phone number and menu items to
the department prior to the event.
 Provide information to the vendors about
proper setup and equipment.
– ie: tents, grills with lids and/or hand wash
stations.
 Monitorfood vendors throughout event to
ensure DHEC standards are met.

10. Any Questions?
Everette Reynolds
Environmental Health Manager
Region 7 Environmental Health
SC DHEC
843-202-7020
reynolje@dhec.sc.gov