Fixed food business licence

If you are planning on opening a cafe, restaurant, food manufacturer or similar you may need a food business licence. Before applying for a licence you should read the food business licence FAQs (DOCX, 331KB) to check that what you are planning requires a licence or is covered by an exemption.

Steps for getting a fixed food business licence

Review these 4 steps to make sure you get it right.

Step 1 - Check other approvals

Before submitting a food licence application you should check if other approvals are required:

• Planning approval - contact Council on (07) 5475 7272
• Building approval - contact a private certifier
• Plumbing approval - contact Council on (07) 5475 7272
• Trade waste approvals - contact Unitywater.

Step 2 - Prepare a plan application

To assess the suitability of your proposed kitchen, council requires that you submit a food business plan application. You can apply online for a plan application through MyCouncil by:

1. Log in or register as a new user of MyCouncil, if you haven’t used MyCouncil before it is quick and easy to register
2. click on submit application and select food business plan assessment
3. upload your kitchen floor plans and elevations
4. pay the application fees, the 2024/25 plan application fee is $727.00.

Once your application is received, council will assess the suitability of your premises against Food Standard 3.2.3 and the Design and Fitout Guide for Food Businesses.

Note: If there are aspects of your premises that do not meet the requirements you may have to provide additional information or change yours plans. If you have already started building your premises prior to receiving the approved plans, you may have to modify the design if it is non-compliant.

Step 3 - Food business licence application form

Once you have received the approved plan and approval letter:

1. A food business licence application (DOCX, 299KB) will be sent to you. The appropriate category will be indicated on the application form as per your plan assessment discussion.
2. Complete the application form and pay the associated fees. You should apply approximately 20 days out from when you intend to start the business.
3. When you submit the application form also nominate a food safety supervisor.

You can submit your food licence application by email to [email protected].

Step 4 - Final inspection

Council will organise a time with you to undertake a food safety inspection to determine the suitability of the premises.

If council determines that your application complies with the ​Food Act 2006 ​, you will be issued a food business licence certificate which will need to be displayed when you are operating.

For additional resources please visit The Food Pantry.