Food Services BBL — Ice Cream Manufacturer activity (soft-serve / ice cream made on site): Washington, D.C. restaurant guide
DLCP — Business Licensing Division / DC Health
What it is
DLCP's Food Services category lists 'Ice Cream Manufacturer' as its own licensed activity. Making ice cream, gelato or soft-serve on the premises must be shown on your BBL and in your DC Health plan review.
When a restaurant needs it
If you freeze or mix frozen desserts on site (buying packaged ice cream to scoop does not count).
How to apply
Add the Ice Cream Manufacturer activity to your Food Services BBL in BOSS and list the machines (make/model) in the DC Health plan review packet.
Documents you’ll need
- Equipment spec sheets for soft-serve/batch freezers
- DC Health inspection report
- Certificate of Occupancy
Good to know
DC has no separate frozen-dessert license like some states; the activity rides on the Food Services BBL. Soft-serve machines are cleaned-in-place equipment that DC Health inspectors check closely.
Official source
DLCP: Food Services (Restaurant) license — activities · DC Health plan review packet
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.