All businesses that store, prepare, handle, serve and sell food must be registered with us under the Food Act. This includes mobile, temporary and food vending machine operators.
Here are some useful information that may help your food business.
Determine your food premises classification risk
You will need to have an understanding of your premises risk classification to assist you when determining your requirements for your business.
There are four classes of food premises:
Where can I get more information on how to determine my risk classification?
If you need assistance with determining your classification please contact the Environmental Health Unit on 9243 8810.
Opening a new business or altering your existing business
Prior to commencing works on setting up a new business or alterations to an existing business you should complete a submission of plans application and submit two copies of the premises floor plans to us.
Class 4 premises are exempt from this process however you must contact us and notify us of your intention to operate.
How to prepare plans?
Food Premise Design and Construction Standards (pdf, 901KB) are available to businesses to assist in planning the design and construction of your premises. These include the food safety standards for fittings and fixtures.
Alternative guidelines (pdf, 374KB) are available if you want to set up your business from home.
You must also comply with Australian Food Safety Standards and the Food Act 1984 which require appropriate construction and fit out of food premises.
A planning permit may also be required for the location of your business. Call our planning unit on 9243 9111 to discuss your proposal to starting any works.
Before you open
You can only operate your business once you have:
- had a final inspection completed by an Environmental Health Officer
- been provided with an application for registration
- paid for your registration
Transferring or buying an existing business
If you are transferring or buying an existing premise, you should request a condition of premises inspection report (pdf, 26KB) to make sure you are aware of any outstanding orders or structural requirements placed on the business before taking ownership.
To transfer your business you must complete and return a transfer of registration application form along with the appropriate fee.
Food safety
Do I need a food safety program?
A food safety program is a written plan that shows how your business manages the safety of the food it prepares, serves and sells.
If you are classified as a Class 1 or 2 food business you must have a food safety program.
Where can I get more information on preparing my Food Safety Program?
Available in other languages.
This can be completed and submitted online.
What about minimum records?
Class 3 premises must maintain minimum records for their business.
Class 4 premises are not required to have a Food Safety Program or keep records however you must ensure any food sold is safe and suitable to consume.
Food safety supervisors training
A Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) qualification is required to ensure appropriate knowledge and understanding of safe food handling practices.
Does my business need a food safety supervisor?
Class 1 and 2 food premises must have a trained Food Safety Supervisor (FSS).
Find out more about food safety supervisor training.
Class 3 and 4 food premises do not require a qualified Food Safety Supervisor although can undertake free online training.
Food Safety Standards
The Food Safety Standards set the rules that you must comply with in the day-to-day operations of your business to ensure your food is safe.
Class 1, 2 and 3 premises must comply with these standards.
Footpath Trading Permit Guidelines
If you are considering utilising footpaths or public spaces adjoining business premises, for business related activities you must apply for a foothpath trading permit.
Food safety complaints
We conduct regular food premise inspections and investigate complaints to make sure food safety regulations are met.
If you want us to investigate a food premises or have a food complaint:
Call Citizen Services on 9243 8888.
If you suspect that someone is selling food without a permit:
Call Citizens Services on 9243 8888 or report a food sale without a permit online.
Tobacco control
Tobacco laws ban smoking in restaurants, cafes, licensed premises and workplaces.
More information on legislation and signage requirements for your business in tobacco reforms.
We conduct test purchases to make sure that tobacco retailers are complying with laws which prohibit the sale of cigarettes to minors.
Temporary Events
If you are interesting in holding a temporary event in our municipality you must be registered/notified with your principle council and provide a Statement of Trade to us 5 days prior to your event.
General Information
More information
If you would also like assistance with establishing your business or want to consider options as to how to be more sustainable in your business, contact the Economic Development or Environment units.
For more information, contact the Environmental Health unit on 9243 8888.