Apply for a food business licence

Do I need design approval?

No, design approval is no longer a required step for your application, however the inspection will still assess if you meet the fit-out requirements for your food preparation areas.

Do I need a Food Safety Program?

Under the Food Act 2006, licensed food businesses that are required to have an accredited food safety program include:

• off-site caterers – businesses that cater for functions, other than at their principle place of operation, such as charter boats
• on-site caterers – wedding venues, function halls, hotels, clubs etc. that host more than 11 occasions in a 12 month period, for more than 199 people on each occasion
• private hospitals, aged care facilities, day care facilities and other businesses that serve potentially hazardous food to six or more vulnerable people.

Before I submit the application, can someone confirm I filled it in correctly?

Yes, Council provides a service to help you review your application before you lodge and pay the fee. Book a meeting through Council’s Business Hotline on 133 BNE (133 263). There is a fee for this advisory session.

I am taking over an existing food business, how soon can I get a licence?

Once you have completed settlement, you will then be able to lodge your application. You may lodge prior to settlement, but the inspection or issuing of the licence can only happen after settlement. 

We recommend you apply 30 days before you are ready to open for business.

How long before I get an inspection?

Once you lodge your application, the assigned Environmental Health Officer will contact you within a few days to arrange the date and time for the inspection.

Preparing for inspection after application

Once you have applied, an Environmental Health Officer will contact you and confirm how to proceed. If you have not heard from Council within a week of applying, call Council to follow up.

You can arrange for the inspection with the Environmental Health Officer one week before you are ready to start trading, and when any design fit-outs are complete. The Environmental Health Officer will conduct an onsite inspection of your food business prior to issuing you with a food business licence, and will also assign you a food safety star rating for Eat Safe Brisbane program. Consider these requirements:

• All equipment used for food storage and food preparation, as well as probe thermometers and chemicals, such as food grade sanitiser, must be present on site prior to assessment of suitability occurs. 
• Hot water must be connected and operating (for fixed premises or mobile vehicles).
• The key decision maker (including the nominated food safety supervisor) must be present at the inspection
• If you are applying for an annual temporary food business licence, your marquee with floor cover, three walls and a roof will need to be sourced prior to this inspection occurring.
• Use the Eat Safe checklist to prepare for the inspection. The result will determine your star rating for the Eat Safe Brisbane program, which can help you later with reduced renewal fees.

Is there a chance I do not get approved when I apply, when the previous operator had approval?

If you are taking over a currently licenced food business, you should not assume your application will automatically get approved. There may be requirements that have changed, or alterations to the premises that had not been approved. You also need to be considered as a suitable person to hold a food business licence. Check that your fit-out meets the requirements. 

Does my food business licence need to be displayed?

Yes, your current food business licence and its prescribed details and conditions must be displayed in a prominent position, so it is easily visible to the public.

How can the Eat Safe star rating reduce my annual fees?

You can get a bigger discount for higher Eat Safe star ratings. Your renewal fee is based on the lowest Eat Safe star rating you receive within the renewal period.

If you achieve 5-star rating (highest), this would help you get up to 50% off your renewal fees. Use this checklist to help you improve your Eat Star ratings.

What if I get my licence approved, but am actually not ready to start trading?

Once issued, your licence will be valid and in effect for a year so it is best to apply for it closer to when you expect to be ready to open your business.

How do I ensure the structure of my premises is appropriate?

When designing, building or fitting out new premises or making changes to an existing one, the design and layout must meet the requirements of the Food Act 2006 and the Food Safety Standards 3.2.3 – Food Premises and Equipment.

What if my application for a food business licence is not granted?

We recommend you use Council’s pre-lodgement advisory service to check that the application is correct and complete.

If my application is not approved, can I get a refund?

Refunds are not applicable if the application is refused.

I lost the copy of my certificate, how do I get a replacement? 

Contact Council on 07 3403 8888 to request a replacement certificate. A replacement licence certificate fee of $129.15 applies.

How can I track my application status?

If you haven’t heard from the assessing officer you can contact them directly for an update or contact Council on 07 3403 8888 to request an update.

I didn’t get the renewal reminder, what do I do?

Renewals are issued 60 days prior to the due date.  If you haven’t received your renewal notice, ensure that your postal address associated with the licence is correct.  You can contact Council via the Contact Centre to confirm postal address details are correct or to request that the renewal is reissued.