Starting a new food business

 If you are starting a new food business, you may need a food business licence. Check if a food business licence is required.

There are three types of food business licences, mobile, fixed and temporary. Learn more about the types of food business licences

Taking over an existing food businesses

A change of ownership must be completed if you are taking over an existing licensed premises. Find out more about buying or selling an existing food business.

Renewing an existing licence

Each year, holders of fixed, mobile or temporary annual food business licences will receive an offer of renewal. You must notify Council if you intend to accept or decline the offer. Food businesses will also receive a licence renewal notice.

Annual licence fees

Annual fees are applied before the issuing of a licence. Licences are valid from 1 October until 30 September each year. 

If applicable, food safety programs have a one-off accreditation fee. Find out more about food safety programs.

Fee exemptions may apply for not-for-profit organisations.

For eligibility criteria refer to the Community and Environmental Services Fees and Charges Explanatory Notes.

Preparing your application 

You will need to upload the following documentation with your application.

  • Copies of certificate of attainment for all food safety supervisors.
  • A copy of your accredited food safety program documentation if applicable.
  • Site plan showing the food premise's location, waste storage and car parking. It will also show the location of staff and public toilet facilities and adjacent land uses.
  • A floor plan with dimensions showing the location of all equipment, fixtures and fittings. This may include basins, toilets, hot water systems and storage areas.
  • A hydraulic plan showing the location of water and sewerage pipes, tundishes, sinks and grease traps.
  • Sectional elevations with dimensions of windows, doorways and items listed on the site plan. It also needs to include details of plinths, and castors or legs of all benches.
  • Specifications of materials and finishes, including colours where appropriate. For example, ceilings, walls, floors, coving, lighting, shelving, cupboards, benches, screens, air curtains and insect control devices. 

How to apply

The applicant must be an individual, company or incorporated association. Council does not accept applications from trusts or partnerships.

Fixed food business

  1. Sign into your Online Services account by clicking 'Apply for a fixed food business licence' below. If you do not have an account, you can register.
  2. Go to 'Enquiries'.
  3. Find the enquiry type 'Permits and Licences - Environmental Health, Public Health and Food' and select 'Start'.
  4. In the 'I want to make an application for' question, select 'Food business', then select ‘New food business licence request’.
  5. Enter your business address, then select 'Next'.
  6. Complete all applicant or company details.
  7. In the ‘Type of premise’ question, select ‘New fixed premise’ and answer all the mandatory questions, then select 'Next'.
  8. Select 'Lodge', then review and 'Accept' the terms and conditions.
  9. Upload supporting documentation under 'Attachments'.

Apply for a fixed food business licence

A T162 fee is payable at the time of application, per Council's fees and charges. You can pay with Visa or Mastercard.

Mobile food business

  1. Sign into your Online Services account by clicking 'Apply for a mobile food business licence' below. If you do not have an account, you can register.
  2. Go to 'Enquiries'.
  3. Find the enquiry type 'Permits and Licences - Environmental Health, Public Health and Food' and select 'Start'.
  4. In the 'I want to make an application for' question, select 'Food business', then select ‘New food business licence request’.
  5. Enter your business address, then select 'Next'.
  6. Complete all applicant or company details.
  7. In the ‘Type of premise’ question, select ‘New mobile food premise’ and answer all the mandatory questions, then select 'Next'.
  8. Select 'Lodge', then review and 'Accept' the terms and conditions.
  9. Upload supporting documentation under 'Attachments'.

Apply for a mobile food business licence

A T322 fee is payable at the time of application, per Council's fees and charges. You can pay with Visa or Mastercard.

Temporary food business

  1. Sign into your Online Services account by clicking 'Apply for a temporary food business licence' below. If you do not have an account, you can register.
  2. Go to 'Enquiries'.
  3. Find the enquiry type 'Permits and Licences - Environmental Health, Public Health and Food' and select 'Start'.
  4. In the 'I want to make an application for' question, select 'Food business', then select ‘New food business licence request’.
  5. Enter your business address, then select 'Next'.
  6. Complete all applicant or company details.
  7. In the ‘Type of premise’ question, select ‘New temporary food premise’ and answer all the mandatory questions, then select 'Next'.
  8. Select 'Lodge', then review and 'Accept' the terms and conditions.
  9. Upload supporting documentation under 'Attachments'.

Apply for a temporary food business licence

A fee is payable at the time of application, per Council's fees and charges. They are:

  • T307 for a temporary food business licence for a single event, for example, Kitefest or Woodford Folk Festival
  • T322 for an annual temporary food business licence.

You can pay with Visa or Mastercard.

More information or help with your application

For more information or help with your application, contact Council.