Applying for Food Business Licence

All licensable food businesses including fixed premises, mobile premises and temporary stalls are required to be licensed by Council. If you wish to operate a licensable food business in the Rockhampton Local Government area, you are required to obtain a licence from Council by completing an application form. The following information will assist you in ensuring your application is complete and that you have considered everything that is required with submitting an application.

The applicant for the Food Business Licence must be a legal entity ie. a person or a company. A business name or trading name is not a legal entity and cannot be the licence holder.

To make an Application for Food Business Licence with Council, you must submit a fully completed form with supporting documentation and the relevant fee.  If your food business is required to have an accredited Food Safety Program, you must apply for this at the same time using the same form.

Council will process your application within 30 days. You will be contacted should additional information be required to process the application; this will extend the processing timeframes. You will be notified when a decision has been made regarding your application.

When approved, you can then carry out any proposed works (eg. construction or fit out) in accordance with the approved application.

When you are close to completing the construction of the premises, contact Council's Environment and Public Health Unit to arrange a final inspection. You can not open your business until the premises have had a final inspection and approval has been obtained.

Council will inspect the premises on a regular basis to ensure compliance with the approved application.

Food business premises must be constructed in accordance with the Food Safety Standards. It is recommended that you contact Council's Development Assessment Unit, Building Services and Fitzroy River Water as these units may require separate approval.