Does anyone have any info on whether or not you need a business license or to work in a licensed kitchen? Do I charge sales tax? I have no clue where to start. Any info is apreciated.

That was me about a month ago!!! Yes I live in Louisina and just received my LLC last week. Go to www.geauxbiz.com that is the SOS website. this is were you would apply to do business in La. Even if you will be a Sole propertior.

La residents CAN NOT bake from the same kitchen you cook for your family. It has to be a completly seprate kitchen. You must contact the HD ASAP for requirements and an inspection in order to operate. If you have any questions PM me and I will give you any other info if needed.

That was me about a month ago!!! Yes I live in Louisina and just received my LLC last week. Go to www.geauxbiz.com that is the SOS website. this is were you would apply to do business in La. Even if you will be a Sole propertior.

La residents CAN NOT bake from the same kitchen you cook for your family. It has to be a completly seprate kitchen. You must contact the HD ASAP for requirements and an inspection in order to operate. If you have any questions PM me and I will give you any other info if needed.

Here is a link to DOH, this will get you some info until they get a application/info packet (this was one of the sheets that was included in the packet that the Health inspector dropped off at my home the same day I called)

http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/publications.asp?ID=1&CID=56

Good luck!!

I checked a few days ago and was told that in Louisiana a private residential kitchen cannot be used in retail food production, but (I'm quoting here) "a detached building on the property can be used if all the specifications for a retail food establishment are in compliance with Louisiana law."

So not only does the kitchen need to be separate, it needs to be detached!

Bummer for La bakers.

You are correct!!!!!! I'm sorry I did not include the "detached" part! Which is what I have on my property. I am planning on converting my small guest house (more like the size of a bedroom) into my kitchen.

Be sure that you not only check with your zoning office but speak with the actual inspector At your City hall because today when I went to get the "stamp of approval" from my City Hall's zoning office to turn in with my occupational license application there seems to be some confusion as to if a cake business can be considered "homebased" here in Hammond (even though I called them and was told by one person yes it was ok they just have to sign off on it first) and the HD states its ok as long as it meets their guidelines and seprate/detached. I personally think the inspector at our city hall is a little confused but any way I will post on my issue once they call me back!

thanks for the info! But what a bummer!! Guess I have lots and lots of work to do. Although I have seen a website for someone in the Zachary area who plainly says she bakes out of her home, she's even in the phone book. But it's better to be safe than sorry! tm cakes let me know how it goes, I'm sure as soon as I get on the phone I'm gonna run into the same thing with noone knowing anything for sure lol

I'm also in Louisiana. I have a detached kitchen located on my property. I live out in the country, so I don't have the zoning issues. Health Department is where I started, they were a big help. CPA gave me other advice, I am an LLC.

Another thing, with the detached kitchen, I had to have a separate sewer system from my home's, meeting certain specs. Also had to have grease trap, triple sink, .....................................................Health Dept. will give you a list. You also have to give them a sketch of your floor plan.

I'm glad I found this thread! I'm from the central area in Louisiana and have been worrying about starting a cake business at home I tried looking on the public health website but I don't even know where to look on there!

Maybe this would be a good time for Louisiana bakers to begin contacting their representatives to present a bill for a cottage law.

-Debbie B.

What is a cottage law? Please do explain

I've been wondering the same...I'd eventually like to turn my hobby into a business. Thanks for all of the info!

A cottage law would allow you to bake legally from your home kitchen.

Texas baker, Kelleym, of Cake Boss, started the battle for Texas approx. 2 years ago. She found a representative that supported home baking for profit. It is HB3282. I believe it has to go through 7 steps to become law in TX. The bill is in step 3 this week. We cannot wait until they vote either today or tomorrow. If the bill dies along the way, it would be another 2 years until it could be presented again. Cake Central has been a great way to reach Texas bakers that we would not know about. It has given us the opportunity to unite.

There are currently 12 states that have cottage laws. Each state sets its own rules of course.

If you would like to follow the process that those of us in Texas are going through, go to the forum title, General. Then choose Bill in Texas for Home Bakeries. Calling all Texans.

It has taken signed petitions, phone calls, emails, letters, etc. , but it will be so wonderful if it passes. Kelley has a web page set up for information. I will need to look up the address.

The main thing that I picked up on when the Health Dept. testified against the bill in the Public Health Committee, was it really wasn't about public health issues. They seemed more concerned about their budget, even though they were there to show health concerns. The restaurant assoc. seemed to worry about competition, even though they also brought up health concerns.
The Public Health Committee voted 9-0 in favor of the bill, so it moved forward to Calendars.

In Texas you can watch the proceedings either live on the web or through the archives if you are unable to be in Austin.

I hope you ladies can start the process for your state.

-Debbie B.

The web address is: Texascottagefoodlaw.com

It has quite a bit of information on it.

-Debbie B.