To apply for a food licence, you will need to submit a complete application to council. The following information will assist you in ensuring your application is complete and that you considered everything that is required with submitting an application.
There are three types of applications, click on the link that best describes your situation:
Starting a New Food Business
Step One
Determine if your food business requires licensing. Refer to the Licensing Requirements page for further information.
Step Two
It is recommended that you contact the following council departments to discuss their requirements, as starting a new food business may require their approval:
- Planning and Development Services,
- Building Approval - Building Certification, and
- Water and Wastewater Services (Tradewaste Approvals).
Other government agencies that you may require approval from include:
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Step Three
Fill out the Application for Food Premises, attach the relevant fee and return to council.
The applicant for a licence must be a legal entity, i.e. a person or company. A business name or trading name is not a legal entity and cannot be the licence holder.
The applicant applying for the food licence should be the person or company intending on operating the food business not the contractor building the food premises.
Food Premises must be constructed in accordance with Food Safety Standard 3.2.3. Refer to AS4674-2004 - Design, Construction and Fit out of Food Premises or council's Design and Construction Criteria for further guidance.
Two copies of the following plans (drawn to scale not less than 1:50) must be provided:
- Flood plans including waste disposal facilities and location of equipment.
- Elevations of each food preparation room/area.
- Mechanical exhaust ventilation (exhaust systems must comply with AS1668.2) – specifications of all equipment being serviced by the mechanical exhaust ventilation must be included.
Step Four
Once your food licence application has been submitted to council with the appropriate fee it will be assessed by an Environmental Health Officer (EHO). You will receive a conditional approval letter for the construction of your food premises. Time frames for assessment may vary, please allow up to 30 days for a full assessment. Further time will be required if the application does not include all the required information.
Step Five
When you are close to completing the construction of your food premises, contact Environmental Health Services and arrange with the Environmental Health Officer (EHO) who assessed your application for a final inspection.
Step Six
At your final inspection, your Environmental Health Officer (EHO) will:
- Issue requisitions for any outstanding construction requirements, and/or
- Approve your food licence.
Once your food licence is approved you can begin to operate. A copy of your food licence will be mailed separately.
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Taking Over or Transferring an Existing Licensed Food Business
If you are planning on selling or buying a food business there are a few items you need to ensure are completed at the point of sale:
- The intended new operator has completed an Application for Food Premises and submit to council with the relevant fee.
- If there is an Outdoor Dining Approval Approval (footpath dining), please refer to the Outdoor Dining page for further information.
- Contact Water and Wastewater Services (Tradewaste) to transfer any tradewaste approvals.
If you intend to refurbish the existing premises you may also require fit-out approval with council.
If you are deciding on whether to purchase a food business, you ascertain the current level of compliance with the Food Safety Standards by applying for a Certificate of Compliance. This process requires the permission and application by the current licence holder or legal agencies acting on behalf of the licensee.
Renovating or making changes to an Existing Licensed Food Premises
If you intend to renovate or refurbish an existing premises you may be required apply for a fit-out approval with council. Fill out the Application for an Amendment to Food Licence with the relevant fee and return to council.
Two copies of the following plans (drawn to scale not less than 1:50) must be provided:
- Flood plans including waste disposal facilities and location of equipment.
- Elevations of each food preparation room / area.
- Mechanical exhaust ventilation (exhaust systems must comply with AS1668.2) – specifications of all equipment being serviced by the mechanical exhaust ventilation must be included.
Refer to the Design and Construction Criteria for further information guidelines on the fit-out of your food premises.
Fact Sheets
Application Forms
Further Information
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