OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Omaha restaurants and bars that haven't paid their 2019 food and drink permits are at risk of being shut down.
The Douglas County Health Department issued that warning this week, noting that invoices for the permits were sent to establishments Nov. 1.
The department says that as of Friday, 40 businesses still owe a late fee and 119 owe for the permit and late fees. New 2019 permits were required to be in place by Jan. 1, and any business operating without a valid permit is doing so illegally.
Violators also are subject to a fine and jail time. Health director Dr. Adi Pour says the fees cover the cost of inspections that provide food safety for the public.
Seasonal businesses like some food trucks are billed in the spring.