Food Safety and Licences
Some businesses require a licence, permit or approval from Council before they can commence operations. This may include food businesses, personal services such as beauty and tattooing establishments, temporary events and activities, and businesses undertaking commercial activities on public land.
Licensing and approval requirements vary depending on the nature, scale and location of your business. Before commencing operations, it is important to check whether your proposed activity requires Council approval and ensure all relevant requirements have been met.
To identify required licences and approvals:
Food Business Licensing
You may require a Food Business Licence if your business prepares, handles, serves or sells food to the public. This includes businesses such as restaurants, cafés, takeaways, catering services, food vans, mobile food vendors, temporary food stalls and home-based food businesses operating from domestic kitchens.
If your business requires licensing, you must obtain the appropriate approval from Council before commencing operations. This helps ensure your business meets food safety standards and regulatory requirements designed to protect public health.
Applying for a licence
Applications must be submitted prior to opening your business. It is a legal requirement under the Food Act 2006 for all food operators to be appropriately licenced. The current fine for operating without a food licence is $172,700.
Prescribed activities
If you're planning to hold an event, activity, or commercial operation on Council-controlled land, you may need Council approval before proceeding. Visit Public Activities and Events webpage in the Public Spaces and Venues section for the information. Please note that Footpath Dining is regulated under Council's Local Laws as a prescribed activity and may require approval before commencing operation.
Food Safety
If you or your business prepares, handles, stores, transports or sells food, you must comply with food safety legislation and applicable food safety standards.
Hinchinbrook Shire Council works with local food businesses to promote safe food handling practices and protect public health.
Food business requirements
Food businesses must:
- Comply with the requirements of the Food Act 2006 and the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, including Standards 3.1.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.2A and 3.2.3.
- Display their Food Business Licence in a prominent location where it can be easily seen by the public.
- Maintain a nominated Food Safety Supervisor where required and notify Council of any changes within 14 days.
- Allow authorised Council officers reasonable access to the premises during normal business hours for inspection purposes.
Legislation and food safety standards
For more information, refer to the following legislation and standards:
Temporary food premises and market stalls
Temporary food stalls and mobile food operators must also comply with food safety requirements.
This includes:
- Safe food handling practices
- Appropriate stall structures and equipment
- Adequate handwashing facilities
- Temperature control for potentially hazardous foods
- Cleaning, sanitising and personal hygiene measures
Food safety supervisors
Certain licensed food businesses are required to nominate a food safety supervisor.
For more information:
The Food Safety Supervisor Guideline includes information about competency requirements and approved training. Competencies are generally valid for five years.
Training providers can be found through the National Training Register.
Food handler training
The free online DoFoodSafely course is recommended for all food handlers:
DoFoodSafely Online Course
Please note that completing the DoFoodSafely course does not meet the qualification requirements for a Food Safety Supervisor.
Templates and record sheets
Queensland Health provides a range of record sheets, templates and procedures to help businesses manage food safety requirements:
General food business information
The following resources provide practical guidance on operating a food business:
Need help?
If you need assistance with food safety requirements, contact Council:
Council officers can provide guidance on licensing requirements, food safety obligations and compliance standards.