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How To Apply

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To apply for a food business licence, you will need to submit a complete application to Council. The following information will assist you in ensuring your application is complete and that you consider other applications that may be required for your business.
Prior to submitting your application you should ensure the site has relevant Development Approval to prevent the application being delayed.
For further information visit Toowoomba Regional Council Planning and Development Online.
  • Prior to submitting your application you should ensure the site has relevant Development Approval to prevent the application being delayed.
  • Do you intend to, or already have any advertising signs erected? If yes, refer to the Advertising Sign information.
  • Do you intend to, or already have any Entertainment Venues associated with this fixed food business? If yes, refer to the Entertainment Venues information.
  • Do you intend to, or already have any Footpath Dining? If yes, refer to the Foothpath Dining information.
  • Do you intend to display or place items on the footpath? For example umbrellas, planter boxes, heaters or goods for sale. If yes, contact Council.
  • Do you intend to, or already discharge trade waste to Council’s sewer system? If yes, contact Council.
  • All new premises require both Building Approval and Plumbing Approval either via Council or a private certifier, prior to commencing operations.
  • Do you intend to sell alcohol on the premises? If yes contact Queensland Government Liquor Licensing Division.
  • If you are registering a new business name you will need to contact the Queensland Government Office of Fair Trading.
The applicant for a licence must be a legal entity (eg person(s) or Company).
Note - a business name or shop name is not a legal entity and cannot be the licence holder.

Application forms are available from Council.
or download here:
Food Premises must be constructed in accordance with Food Safety Standard 3.2.3. Refer to AS 4674-2004 - Design, Construction and Fit out of Food Premises for further guidance.

For assistance refer to the Fit Out Guide in Tools and Resources.

To enable Council to assess the suitability of your premises, you are required to submit the following plans with your application:

  • Two copies of plan layout of all equipment including benches, storage cupboards (storage of staff personal items), sinks, basins, door/window openings, location of staff areas and chemical/cleaning equipment storage areas, to a suitable scale (eg 1:100).  Details are to include finishes to walls, floors and ceilings, heights of fixtures from floors and benches, junctions of walls and floors and lighting provisions. Additional supporting information will be required on the type and capacity of the hot water generating unit to be used taking into consideration peak usage.
  • Two copies of cross sections each drawn through separate areas of the preparation and customer service areas to a suitable scale (eg 1:50).
  • Two copies of site plan showing location of premises/shop with regard to other premises including wastewater treatment devices (eg grease trap), waste storage area and staff toilets.
  • Two copies of mechanical exhaust ventilation systems showing all dimensions, details and specifications of cooking equipment (ie gas,electricity) and external discharge points to a suitable scale (eg 1:50).
For assistance, refer to the sample plans in Tools & Resources.
The following certificates are required by Council prior to issue of licence:

  • A certificate from a duly qualified individual or professional stating that the design and installation of the mechanical exhaust ventilation system complies with AS1668 Parts 1 and 2.
  • General Tenancy fit-outs require building certification (either via Council or a private certifier).
Whilst Council does not require you to have public liability insurance for this licence, you should research all options regarding your business insurance requirements.
  • Skills and Knowledge
    You and your staff require adequate skills and knowledge in food handling to undertake specific tasks. For assistance, refer to the food handling skills and knowledge assessment and the training course in Tools & Resources.
  • Food Safety Supervisor
    All licensable food businesses will require a Food Safety Supervisor as of 1st July 2008.
Click here for further information of Food Safety Supervisors.
Applications can be submitted (with the relevant fee) in person at Council or by surface mail.
  • Toowoomba Regional Council, Environmental Health Services, PO Box 3021, Toowoomba, Village Fair, Qld 4350, Telephone - (07) 4688 6822, Fax - (07) 4688 6897. Any enquiries: Click here to email
  • Fees
  • You are responsible for ensuring the Food Licence application is complete - refer to “How to Apply”.
  • Prior to submitting your application you should ensure the site has relevant Development Approval to prevent the application being delayed.
  • Council will process your application within 30 days or within otherwise agreed time frames. You will be contacted should additional information be required to process the application. This may cause delays in processing your application.
  • You will be notified when a decision has been made regarding your application.
  • When approved, you can then carry out the proposed works (eg construction or fit out) in accordance with the approved application.
  • You must contact Council for an inspection and receive approval prior to commencing operation.
  • Council will inspect the premises on a regular basis.
  • As a new operator you are responsible for ensuring the Food Licence application is complete - refer to “How to Apply”.
  • You may apply for licence search to confirm that there is a current licence and to ascertain the current level of compliance. This process may require written permission from the vendor.
  • If the nature of the business is changing you may require Development Approval. Contact Council prior to the lodgement of your application.
  • If you intend to refurbish the existing premises you may be required to submit plans to Council. For further information contact Council.
  • Council will process your application within 30 days or within otherwise agreed time frames. You will be contacted should additional information be required to process the application. This may cause delays in processing your application.
  • You will be notified when a decision has been made regarding your application.
  • When approved and there are no alterations to the premises, you can commence operation. If you are undertaking alterations to the premises you will need to contact Council for an inspection and receive approval prior to commencing operation.
  • Council will inspect the premises on a regular basis.
  • You are responsible for ensuring the Food Licence Amendment application is complete - refer to “How to Apply”.
  • You are encouraged to contact Council to discuss any changes to your business.
  • If you want to make a minor change to your licence (eg change of contact details) contact Council. You are not required to submit an application for this.
  • If the nature of the business is changing you may require Development Approval. Contact Council prior to the lodgement of your application.
  • If you intend to refurbish your premises you may be required to submit plans. For further information contact Council.
  • Council will process your application within 30 days or within otherwise agreed time frames. You will be contacted should additional information be required to process the application. This may cause delays in processing your application.
  • You will be notified when a decision has been made regarding your application.
  • When approved, you must contact Council for an inspection and receive approval prior to re-commencing operation.
  • Council will inspect the premises on a regular basis.



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