Food Business Licencing

Council is responsible for licensing food premises under the Food Act 2006 and the Food Safety Standards. 

Licences are valid until 31 August each year and are renewed annually. 

Who needs a food business licence?

As a general guide, if you handle or prepare unpackaged food, you will need a licence. You may also need a new food business licence if you are taking over an existing food business. You can operate a food business from a commercial premises, a residential premises, a mobile vehicle, or a temporary location (e.g. food stalls at markets or events).

Examples of food that are unpackaged or handled that require a licence include:

  • cut fruit or vegetables 
  • fruit or vegetable juice processed at the place of sale 
  • sausage sizzle or barbecue 
  • cakes or biscuits with dairy fillings or icings 
  • unpackaged takeaway foods such as hamburgers, hot dogs, pizzas, hot chips or curry 
  • unpackaged cooked pasta or lasagne 
  • unpackaged yoghurt 
  • any other unpackaged food, unless included in the exemptions 

You will not need a licence if you sell:

  • packaged food 
  • whole fruit and vegetables 
  • drinks (except fruit and vegetable juice processed on site) 
  • seeds, spices, dried herbs, tea leaves, coffee or ground coffee
  • unpackaged snack food (for example, confectionary, potato chips, corn chips or nuts) 
  • food sold by not for profit organisations for fundraising (for example, sausage sizzle or cake stall) 
  • food provided at state government run facilities (for example, a public hospital or state school).

 

 

  • To apply, please complete the appropriate application form from the below list and provide the supporting information. 

     

    Futher details on how to apply and submit application forms can be found below. 

     

    Food Application forms

    Council has 3 food business licence applications that applicants must complete depending on the circumstances. Please note: applications cannot be accepted until they are completed in full with the relevant documents attached and payment made. Incomplete, false or missing information will result in delays in assessing the application or the application being refused under the Food Act 2006.  The completed application and relevant attachments should be submitted to Council at least 30 business days prior to the day you are planning to operate.

    A food business licence application is required to make application for the following:

    • New fixed or mobile food premises
    • New licensee for existing business (takeover)
    • Amendment of licence (administrative change to applicant / licence details)
    • Amendment of design/fit-out (alterations to approved premises)

     

    A temporary food stall licence application is required to make application for a temporary food stall in the Noosa Shire.

    A water carrier business application is required to make application for a water carrier food business licence. Vehicles from which a person sells unpackaged drinking water by retail are required to hold a licence with Council.

    Submit an enquiry

  • Council offers several ways to lodge your food business application forms. The most convenient way is by email. You can also lodge the application in person or by post.

    By email - all emails and attached documents are to be sent to mail@noosa.qld.gov.au

    In person – by visiting Tewantin Office located at 9 Pelican St, Tewantin  QLD  4565

    By post – you can post your application and relevant documents to: Noosa Council, PO Box 141 Tewantin QLD 4565

     

    How to pay

    After your application form is received, Council will email a payment link to the applicant after all of the required information has been submitted. Your application will be assessed by an Environmental Health Officer after full and correct payment has been received.

     

    Still have questions?

    For more information and fact sheets, visit the local government toolbox website.

    If after viewing the local government toolbox website, further information is required, please submit an enquiry or contact Council’s customer service centre.

    Submit an enquiry

  • Licensable food businesses must have an accredited Food Safety Program (FSP) if:

    • the food business involves off-site catering (e.g. provides catering at events)
    • the primary activity of the food business is on-site catering
    • the primary activity of the food business is on-site catering at part of the premises where they are catering to 200 or more people on 12 or more occasions in any 12 month period, eg convention centre
    • the food business is carried on as part of the operations of a private hospital or otherwise processes or serves potentially hazardous food to six or more vulnerable people.  For example: nursing home, childcare facility.

     

    Council is responsible for accrediting FSPs for food businesses located within the Noosa local government area.

    Submit an enquiry

  • How do I apply for accreditation of a Food Safety Program?

    To apply to accredit or amend a Food Safety Program, you must submit a Food Safety Program Accreditation / Amendment application form to Council.

    If you are applying for accreditation of a Food Safety Program, the following must be provided with your application:

    • Completed Notice of Written Advice from an approved auditor. Information about choosing an auditor can be found on QLD Goverment website. 
    •  One (1) electronic or hard copy of your Food Safety Program

     

    How do I apply to amend a Food Safety Program?

    If you are applying to amend your existing Food Safety Program, you must provide one (1) electronic or hard copy of your amended Food Safety Program and include a summary of detail of amendments.

    Submit an enquiry

  • Council offers several ways to lodge your food business application forms. The most convenient way is by email. You can also lodge the application in person or by post.

    By email - all emails and attached documents are to be sent to mail@noosa.qld.gov.au

    In person – by visiting Tewantin Office located at 9 Pelican St, Tewantin QLD 4565

    By post – you can post your application and relevant documents to: Noosa Council, PO Box 141 Tewantin  QLD  4565

     

    How to pay

    After your Food Safety Program Accreditation / Amendment Application and all required information is received, Council will email a payment link to the applicant. Your application will be assessed by an Environmental Health Officer after the full and correct payment has been received.

     

    Still have questions?

    For further information about FSPs, visit the local government toolbox website (https://www.qld.gov.au/health/staying-healthy/food-pantry/food-safety-programs-and-auditors) 

    If after viewing the local government toolbox website, further information is required, please submit an enquiry or contact Council’s customer service centre.

    Submit an enquiry