Food business licences

Food businesses operating in Brisbane may require a food business licence.

Brisbane City Council monitors the standard of operations in food premises to ensure compliance with:

• Food Act 2006
• Food safety standards

Businesses that may require a food business licence include:

• restaurants and delicatessens
• catering businesses
• takeaway pizza shops
• motels providing meals with accommodation
• child care centres/services
• private residential facilities
• bed and breakfasts
• certain temporary food stalls selling food at markets or events
• preparing and selling meals to homeless persons at a homeless persons' hostel
• preparation of meals by Meals on Wheels

If you are unsure whether your business requires a food business licence, contact Brisbane City Council on 133 BNE (133 263).

Food business checklist

Setting up a food business is more than just applying for a food business licence. Council has developed checklists to assist in starting and operating a food business in Brisbane:

• Food Business checklist for fixed food premises (Word - 134kb)
• Temporary food business checklist (Word - 136kb)

Application process

There is a two step application process when applying for a food business licence. The first step is called a design assessment in which a Council officer will carry out an assessment of the proposed fit out of the business to ensure it meets the requirements of the food safety standards.

The second step is the food business licence application.

You can download the relevant food business licence forms and guidelines.

Application forms and the food business licensing guide, along with other useful information for food businesses can be found on the local government toolbox website.

Online application

Online lodgement and payment is available for:

• Food Design applications
• Food Business Licence applications

For assistance lodging an application, contact Council on 133 BNE (133 263).

Other licences

You may also require a licence or permit if you wish to conduct these activities as part of your food business:

• outdoor dining in the Queen Street or Chinatown mall
• footpath dining
• if you require a liquor licence contact the Queensland Liquor Licensing Division
• if you are registering a new business name contact the Queensland Office of Fair Trading

Eat Safe Brisbane

Eat Safe Brisbane is a system that assesses food safety and hygiene standards of licensed food businesses (including restaurants, cafes and food outlets). Every licensed food business in Brisbane receives a food safety star rating, based on compliance with the Food Act 2006, the Food Safety Standard (FSANZ) and good management practices.

Find out more information regarding Eat Safe Brisbane Food Safety Rating Scheme.

Fees

Payment of food licensing fees, design requirement fees and application fees (PDF - 4.4Mb) are required upon lodgement of your application to Council.