Applications can be submitted (with the relevant fee) in person at Council offices, by surface mail or by email.

The applicant for an approval must be a legal entity (e.g. person/s or company.  Note - a trust name, business name or shop name is not a legal entity and cannot be the approval holder).

The applicant must also be a suitable person. When Council assesses an application, they will take into consideration whether the applicant has the appropriate skills and knowledge to sell safe and suitable food, if they have had a previous conviction for a relevant offence, and if they have had a previous food licence suspended, cancelled or refused.

Forms

Applications can be submitted (with the relevant fee) in person at Council offices, by surface mail or email.

You can download application forms for the following:

• Fixed food business licence application
• Temporary food stall food business licence application
• Mobile food business licence application
• Potable drinking water carrier application

Prepare plans

You need to prepare plans of your food business and submit these to Council. For mobile and fixed premises, your plans should include:

• site plan
• floor plan
• sectional elevations
• mechanical exhaust ventilation plan (if applicable).

Temporary food businesses need to provide plans detailing equipment (including hand wash facilities) and storage.

You can download example plans for:

• fixed food business
• mobile food vehicle
• temporary food stall

Queensland Health's design and fit-out guide for food businesses provides detailed information and can help you understand the requirements of fixed and mobile food business. The artist impression of the minimum standards for the operation of temporary food stall  provides information on the requirements for food stall operators.

Council will assess the information you have submitted and let you know if further information is needed. Your application will be assessed for compliance with the Food Act 2006 and the Food Safety Standard 3.2.3 - Food Premises and Equipment.

If you have a fixed or mobile business, after your design is approved by Council, you can begin construction. Contact Council to arrange a date and time for final inspection at least one week prior to your opening date.

Application process - new

This process is for starting a new food business that requires a licence with Council.

You must obtain relevant planning approval, building approval and plumbing approval before you submit a food business licence application.

• Submit your food business licence application and plans to Council using the approved form. You are responsible for ensuring the application is complete.
• Council will process your application and plans within the legislative timeframe. Council will contact you should additional information be required to process your application.
• When Council approves your plans, you may begin the fit out. Your building certifier and licensed plumber will advise if any additional building or plumbing approvals are required.
• Upon completion of the fit out, you must contact Council for an inspection prior to commencing operations.
• When Council approves your licence application, you can then operate in accordance with the approved conditions.

Application process - taking over

This process is for taking over an existing food business.

You may apply for a search for information on the current food business and the conditions of approval. This process may require written permission from the vendor.

• Submit your food business licence application to Council using the approved form. You are responsible for ensuring the application is complete.
• Council will process your application within the legislative timeframe. Council will contact you should additional information be required to process your application.
• When Council approves your application, you can then operate in accordance with the approved conditions.

Application process - making changes

This process is for making changes to an existing food business.

Adding extra facilities or renovating your premises could change current planning, building and plumbing approvals. Contact Council to discuss any changes to your premises prior to the commencement of work.

• Submit your food business application and plans to Council using the approved form. You are responsible for ensuring the application is complete.
• Council will process your application and plans within the legislative timeframe. Council will contact you should additional information be required to process the application.
• When Council approves your plans, you may begin the fit out. Your building certifier and licensed plumber will advise if any building or plumbing approvals are required.
• Upon completion of the fit out, you must contact Council for an inspection prior to commencing operations.
• When Council approves your application, you can then operate in accordance with the approved conditions.