How do I apply for a home-based food business licence?
First, speak with Council’s town planning team to better understand any restrictions, limitations, approvals or permits that may be required to operate a home-based business.
Food licence application assessment process
Next, make an application for a food business licence. The application assessment process occurs in 2 stages.
The first stage is design approval, which involves an Environmental Health Officer assessing your application before kitchen construction/fit-out (or retro fit-out) begins. Once approved, Council issues a design approval letter permitting construction/fit-out to start.
The second stage involves an Environmental Health Officer conducting a site inspection before trading starts to ensure the fit-out is in accordance with the design approval.
Once all requirements are met, the Environmental Health Officer will issue a home-based food business licence.
Preparing your application:
- Step 1 - Complete a food business licence application
- Step 2 - Attach a floor plan detailing how you propose to comply with the appropriate risk category fit-out requirements
- Step 3 - Submit the food licence application, floor plans and all required supporting information, with the correct fee
Stage 1:
- Step 4 - An Environmental Health Officer assesses your floor plans
- Step 5 - Further information may be requested to assist the Environmental Health Officer make a decision on your application
- Step 6 - Once the Environmental Health Officer has approved your application, you will be issued a design approval letter
Stage 2:
- Step 7 - You fit-out the premises in accordance with the design approval
- Step 8 - An Environmental Health Officer conducts an inspection to ensure the fit-out complies with the design approval
- Step 9 - A food business licence under the Food Act 2006 is issued.