The County Council has unanimously approved executive regulations to streamline the restaurant certification process, with the goal of making opening a restaurant in Montgomery County easier. These changes were initiated by a collaboration between the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce, the County Executive and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Executive Regulation #18-23 simplifies the certification process by reducing documentation and administrative requirements for proposed restaurants. The regulation also extends the Food Handler certificate certification period from three to five years, meaning restaurants do not have to reapply for the certificate as frequently.
These changes in the restaurant permitting process are in addition to the joint Economic Development and DHHS’s committee effort to hire two additional restaurant inspectors for the next fiscal year. Combined with the new executive regulations, the measures are expected to streamline operations and support local businesses more efficiently.
“This is a great example of how the County can make it easier for restaurants to open in Montgomery County while maintaining the high level of safety for our community,” said Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe, who is on the Economic Development Committee. “We want to be more proactive in listening to our businesses so that we can make changes that break down barriers that arise.”
The joint committee also proposed an innovative funding model for the new food inspector positions that will accelerate restaurant reviews and result in savings in the County general fund, according to a County Council press release.
“We know that opening a restaurant in Montgomery County has been a complex and sometimes frustrating process,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “By cutting through unnecessary bureaucracy and adding more inspectors, we are making it easier for entrepreneurs to bring their culinary visions to life. We are fostering a vibrant community where people can enjoy diverse dining experiences and local businesses can thrive. Our efforts reflect a commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to the needs of our residents and business owners.”
Photo courtesy of Olney Grille
