Apply for a food business licence

Local councils are responsible for food business licences. Contact your local council for information about how to apply for a food business licence and any fees payable.

You will need to apply for a food business licence when you are:

  • starting a new food business
  • taking over an existing food business
  • making changes to an existing food business.

The assessment of your application for a food business licence will consider:

  • if you have the appropriate approvals or permits for your food business (e.g.: planning and development approvals, footpath dining permits, etc)
  • if you have the appropriate skills and knowledge to run a food business
  • if you have had a previous food business licence suspended or cancelled or been refused
  • if the design and fit-out of your premises appropriate for the type of food business you are operating
  • if you need a food safety program, that it has been developed and submitted with the application
  • if you have a food safety supervisor