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Business Licensing
Business License Ordinance
The City of Ramsey has established a uniform system for the issuance, revocation, suspension, and renewal of licenses for all activities for which the City Code requires licenses. It is unlawful to engage in a trade, profession, business, or privilege in the city for which a license is required without first obtaining a license from the City in the manner provided in this section.
A licensee must carry or display the city-issued license certificate or ID badge at all times while engaged in the activity for which the license was granted. Where the licensed activity is conducted at a fixed place of business or establishment, the certificate must be exhibited at all times in some conspicuous place on the licensed premises. The licensee must present the license certificate upon request to any police officer or authorized representative of the city. Licenses are not transferable. Refer to City Code Chapter 26 - Licenses, Permits & Misc Business Regulations.
Apply for a Business License
Business licenses and/or ID badges are issued upon application approval by the City Council and completion of a background check. The review and approval process may take up to 15 days (120 days for therapeutic massage licenses).
All renewal and select new business license applications can now be submitted online via eLicenses. Renewals require a code that was emailed to the licensee. Click on Apply Here to submit your eLicense application. Scroll down to download a PDF application.
ALL license applications must be approved by City Council, which meets on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month. Application deadline is ONE WEEK before the City Council meeting.
Cannabis/Hemp/THC
Effective May 24, 2023, a one-year moratorium is in place for the City of Ramsey prohibiting the establishment of new or expansion of existing uses of real tetrahydrocannibinol (THC) products. View the ordinance for details.
All businesses selling cannabinoid products containing THC, CBD, or both must register with the State of Minnesota by October 1, 2023. A letter was emailed to all Ramsey businesses on August 25, 2023.
Questions may be directed to the Office of Cannabis Management or cannabis.info@state.mn.us. Hemp related inquiries can visit the MN Department of Agriculture website.
Mobile Food Units
Mobile Food Unit (MFU) licenses are required for food trucks/vendors operating in the city when selling to the public. Mobile food units operating on private property for private events not open to the public are not required to obtain a license. The two license options are: 90 Day license ($80) or a Full-year license ($100) expiring December 31st. To apply, select Apply Here.
Mobile Food Unit License Ordinance
MFU Operating Requirements
List of Current Licensed Food Trucks (MFU) in Ramsey
Peddler/Solicitors
Solicitors (including ice cream trucks) traveling door-to-door must wear their City-issued badge at all times and carry their license certificate. Soliciting is allowed from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. per city ordinance. Solicitation is NOT ALLOWED until approved by City Council and ID badges are issued and may risk up to a $250 fine and/or immediate denial of future applications. Allow up to 3 weeks to process and approve the license application. Please contact us at 763-433-9828 or email us with any questions. Ordinance information can be found in City Code Chapter 26, Article XIII.
Residents can view these guidelines from the MN Attorney General's Office regarding door-to-door sales.
To report unlicensed solicitors, contact the non-emergency police dispatch line at 763-427-1212 or 911.
Transient Merchants & Game Fair
Vendors who engage temporarily (60 days or less) in the business of selling goods within the city and who occupies any structure, vacant lot or property must obtain a license to do so. Documented permission from the property owner is required. All licenses must be approved by City Council prior to issuing a license.
NOTE: 2024 Game Fair Transient Merchant application DEADLINE is JULY 16, 2024.
Liquor License Applications
Temporary On-Sale Intoxicating License
Temporary on-sale intoxicating licenses are available for non-profits holding community events or breweries at social events sponsored by the brewer. To apply, complete the MN Alcohol & Gambling (AGE) Temporary On-Sale Intoxicating form and return to City of Ramsey at least 30 business days before event along with a copy of a certificate of liability insurance (with "City of Ramsey" listed as certificate holder). Once City Council approves it will be submitted to the State on behalf of applicant.
NOTE: Per state statute, the temporary on-sale intoxicating license is limited to 12 days per year within a 12 month period. Each event must be at least 30 days apart. Refer to MN Statute 340A.404 Subd. 10 for requirements.
New On-Sale, Off-Sale, 3.2 Liquor, Wine Intoxicating Licenses
Applicants need to complete a City of Ramsey Liquor License Application. A $500 non-refundable investigation fee and license fee must accompany submitted application. Brand new businesses should always verify zoning regulations with the Planning department first.
City of Ramsey Liquor License Application
Caterer's Permit
Licensed restaurants with an On-Sale intoxicating liquor license may serve alcohol off premises with an Alcohol Caterer's Permit obtained from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS).