Generally speaking, if you sell, give away, raffle or otherwise dispose of the food to the general public, you will be required to hold a Food Licence with your Local Authority (Council). There are some exceptions that vary from State to State, so contact your Local Council to determine whether or not your business requires licensing.

Yes, the preparation of any food for sale to the public triggers a food licence regardless of where the food is prepared. For example, a person baking cakes at home for delivery to clients is a licensable food business. Depending on how your run your home-based business, you may be also required to meet certain Town Planning requirements. Always check with your Local Council before making any plans to start a food business.

All food licences are obtained through your Local Council, unless you are a State Government facility in which case licensing is usually obtained through the State Government. If you are simply taking over from an existing food premises and do not plan on making any changes to the kitchen, then this is usually as straight forward as filling in an application along with payment and ensuring you have a nominated Food Safety Supervisor where required.

For new premises, a Food Premises Plan Approval Application is required before any Food Licence can be issued as it is imporant that Council assess kitchen plans, design and construction to ensure it meets the food safety laws (i.e. the Food Act, Food Standards Code and relevant Australian Standards). Always contact your Local Council to obtain information on how to apply for a Food Licence or Kitchen Plan Approval.

NQ Environmental Health Services can assist with all government food-related applications and kitchen plans/design, so please contact us if for a free initial consult and quote.