Chapter 4: Restaurants & Cafés
Serving Food, Serving Community
Restaurants and cafés are more than just places to eat—they’re gathering spots that help define Downtown Delray Beach. Whether it’s a sidewalk café, fine dining, or late-night bites, restaurants help create the flavor of our city. Because of this, they have unique responsibilities to ensure safety, cleanliness, and compliance while creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Operating cleanly, safely, and within city rules protects your business, customers, and our community.
Why It Matters
- Clear, organized spaces improve customer satisfaction and accessibility.
- Dining experiences contribute to the overall downtown vibe and attract repeat visitors.
- Compliance protects public health, prevents fines, and maintains the reputation of your business.
- A. Food Safety & Cleanliness – A great meal starts with a safe kitchen. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) oversees restaurant licensing and inspections – any your compliance protects both customers and your reputation.
- DBPR license must be current and posted in public view.
- All food handling, prep, and storage must meet state health codes.
- Restrooms must be clean, stocked, and ADA-accessible.
A spotless operation isn’t just expected – it’s essential.
B. Restaurant Waste Disposal and Illicit Discharge
Restaurants generate more waste than most other businesses. Managing it properly is part of being a responsible operator.
Why this matters:
Delray Beach takes the protection of its waterways and stormwater system seriously. Pouring anything other than clean rainwater into a storm drain is considered an illicit discharge and it prohibited by Delray Beach Code Chapters 53 (Sanitary Sewers) and 56 (Stormwater), enforced under Florida Statutes Chapter 162. These laws apply to all businesses, but restaurants have unique responsibilities because of the fats, oils, grease (FOG), food particles, and cleaning chemicals they handle.
Grease traps must be installed, maintained, and cleaned regularly.
- Never pour fats, oils, grease, food waste, or chemicals into drains or stormwater. It must go into the sanitary sewer system.
- City standards require that grease from kitchens is properly captured, stored, and removed by licensed haulers.
- Violations can lead to fines, liens, and mandatory corrective action.
C. Dumpsters & Garbage – A clean, odor-free dumpster area helps keep pests away and enhances the downtown atmosphere.
Enclosure Requirements
- Must be enclosed and screened from public view.
- Constructed with masonry walls or durable fencing and self-closing, latched gates.
- Lids closed at all times; dumpsters watertight (no leaks).
- Must meet zoning/site plan placement rules and be cleaned regularly.
Waste isn’t glamourous, but managing it well is part of delivering a great guests experience.
D. Operating Hours & Alcohol Sales
- Hours vary by zoning; check with Planning & Zoning for extended hours.
- Alcohol requires a valid ABT license.
- Separate licenses are required for beer/wine and full liquor.
- Alcohol sales allowed until 2 AM unless restricted by zoning.
- No open containers outside unless part of a permitted event.
- Noise Ordinance: amplified outdoor music must end by 10:00 PM (unless permitted).
E. Music, Entertainment & Events – Providing live music or entertainment? It brings energy to your space, but it must be done respectfully and legally.
- Outdoor music requires a sound amplification permit.
- Entertainment District – a defined area within the CBD. It runs from Swinton Ave. to Northbound Federal Hwy/6th Ave, up to NE 2nd Street and SE 2nd Street.
- Hours of Music not allowed within the Entertainment District:
- Monday – Friday between the hours of 12:01AM and 7AM
- Saturday – Sunday between the hours of 1AM and 7AM
- Outside of the Entertainment District:
- Between the hours of 11PM and 7AM
- Maxim permissible noise level limits within the Entertainment District:
- Active Hours: 70 dBA or 80 dBC
- Quiet Hours: 65 dBA or 75 dBC - Sound should not be audible at a distance of 100 feet beyond the property boundaries.
Music sets the mood – just keep the volume neighbor-friendly.
F. Fire Safety & Egress
- Functional kitchen fire suppression system.
- Accessible fire extinguishers.
- Clearly marked, unobstructed exits.
- Occupancy limit posted.
Fire Marshal’s Office: 561-243-7415
Prepare for the worst, so your guests always feel their best.
G. Pest Control & Sanitation
Nobody wants to see pests in paradise. Ongoing, proactive pest control protects your customers and your brand.
- Maintain a professional pest control service (log visits).
- Remove food/water sources nightly.
- Inspect deliveries before bringing items inside.
A clean restaurant isn’t just inspected – it’s expected.
H. Sidewalk Cafés – Al Fresco with Accountability
- Sidewalk Café Operation and Outdoor Alcohol Service
- Outside dining adds life and charm to the Avenue – but it must follow city rules.
- Must have a valid Sidewalk Café Permit (renewed annually).
- Keep 6 feet minimum pedestrian clearance at all times.
- Provide diagram of table layout, umbrellas, and walkways.
- Outdoor alcohol service requires DBPR-approved café floor plan.
- Sidewalk must be kept litter-free and regularly steam-cleaned.
Fresh-air dining is a draw – keep it clean, safe, and neighbor-friendly.
Quick Reference Checklist
- DBPR license current & posted
- Grease trap serviced (keep records)
- Dumpster area enclosed, clean & odor-free
- Sidewalk café permit renewed yearly
- Alcohol licenses valid & posted
- Outdoor music permitted, volume controlled
- Fire safety systems inspected & exits clear
- Pest control service active & logged
Final Tip
Running a restaurant in Downtown Delray Beach is more than serving food—it’s about shaping the guest experience for our whole community. Keep operations clean, safe, and compliant, and you’ll help downtown thrive.