Prior to operating an establishment in which food is prepared and served or in which three or more lodging units are offered to the public, a person shall apply to the Commissioner upon forms supplied by the Department and shall pay a license fee as provided by section 4353 of this title. An application for licensure shall be submitted no fewer than 30 days prior to the opening of a food or lodging establishment. Upon receipt of such license fee and when satisfied that the premises are sanitary and healthful in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and related rules, the Commissioner shall issue a license to the applicant with respect to the premises described in the application. (Amended 1959, No. 329 (Adj. Sess.), § 27, eff. March 1, 1961; 2017, No. 76, § 5.)