Traveling Tea Tavern — Permit & Event Checklist
Maricopa County • October 2026 |
Scope: Brewing and serving gongfu tea on-site at events (i.e. Traveling Tea Tavern events) Bottled potions are handled in a separate guide.
Permit background & quick facts
Permit: Mobile Food Type I, as established through Tea Tavern’s prior correspondence with Maricopa County for its on-site tea service. This guide is for tea brewed to order using a gaiwan at a temporary event setup, not packaged potion sales.
Pre-Permit Number: EHR2600938
2026 County fee: $290 for a one-year Type I permit.
The earlier six-month Type I option was removed in the County’s revised fee schedule. Verify the charge shown in Permit Center before payment.
Maricopa County Permit Center — application checklist
Apply / manage permit: https://maricopacountyaz-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice
County mobile food guidance: https://www.maricopa.gov/3977/Mobile-Food-Establishments
☐ Sign in or create a Permit Center account; choose the Mobile Food Establishment application and Type I classification.
☐ Enter Tea Tavern’s business/owner information and describe live gongfu tea brewing and service accurately.
☐ Prepare the live-tea menu, setup photographs, and event/route or operating-location information.
☐ Attach the commissary agreement and other supporting documents requested for this operation.
☐ Complete any required pre-operational attestation and provide handwashing setup photos if requested.
☐ Submit the application; respond to County requests; pay the assessed fee.
☐ Save the issued permit card/placard, permit number, expiration date, and County correspondence.
☐ Track renewal and update the route sheet and commissary documentation when required.
Before each event
☐ Confirm the event date, location, arrival time, loading access, table space, water access, and organizer rules.
☐ Check that the permit is active and the event service fits the County-approved operating arrangement.
☐ Confirm the current tea menu, expected attendance, staffing, and tea/water supply.
☐ Confirm a suitable handwashing and wastewater-disposal location or bring the approved portable setup.
☐ Pack printed or offline copies of permits, event details, and key contact information.
On-site equipment & documents
☐ Permit card/placard and relevant event authorization; display as required.
☐ Clean, stable table and washable service surfaces; gaiwan, tea vessels, cups, tea, and brewing accessories.
☐ Safe hot-water source and adequate potable water for tea preparation.
☐ Portable handwashing station as required by the approved setup: insulated potable-water supply (previous County guidance: 5 gallons at approximately 100°F), continuous-flow spigot, soap, and disposable paper towels.
☐ Wastewater collection container (at least 15% greater capacity than freshwater supply; 5 gallons requires at least 5.75 gallons wastewater capacity).
☐ Trash receptacle, cleaning/sanitizing supplies, and safe transport containers for used equipment.
☐ Current route/event information, commissary agreement/contact details, and food-handler documentation as applicable.
Setup, service & closing
☐ Set up a clean service area and handwashing station before handling tea or equipment.
☐ Check potable water, hot-water handling, wastewater capacity, and hygiene supplies.
☐ Brew and serve tea using the approved on-site process; keep clean and used equipment separate.
☐ Monitor water and waste levels; replenish supplies as needed without contaminating the service area.
☐ At closing, secure equipment and supplies; remove trash and wastewater for approved disposal.
☐ Record any incidents, missing supplies, or issues to address before the next event.
Quick reference & County contacts
Type I guidelines: https://www.maricopa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/24860/Mobile-Food-Type-I-Guidelines-PDF
Mobile Food application (PDF): https://www.maricopa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5746/Mobile-Food-Permit-Application-PDF
County fee update: https://www.maricopa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/111480/ES-2025-004-Fee-Summary
Pre-operational attestation: https://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Attestation-for-New-Permits-Mobile-Food--392
Maricopa County Environmental Services
ENVPlanreview@maricopa.gov
602-506-6824
1645 E. Roosevelt St.
Phoenix, AZ 85006
Separate procedure: Bottled Potions — Arizona Cottage Food production, labeling, storage, and sales. Do not use this checklist to manage bottled potion compliance.