Queensland’s Food Act 2006 and the national Food Safety Standards aim to ensure that food for sale is safe and suitable for human consumption, and to prevent misleading conduct in relation to the sale of food.
A food business licence may be required for premises where you prepare food, handle food and/or serve food to your customers. For instance, if you prepare food in one location and serve food in a different location, each may require a food business licence. If you are taking over an existing food business that already has a licence, you will need to apply for a new one as the existing licence is not transferrable.
An annual food business licence is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
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133 BNE (133 263)
A food business at a fixed location, where you prepare, handle or serve food. This could be a cafe, restaurant, takeaway, catering, or a home business, among others.
A mobile food business is generally either a mobile food vehicle, where you can prepare, handle or serve unpackaged food from, or a food vending machine.
A temporary food stall at a market or organised event where you prepare, handle or serve unpackaged food, for retail sale.
Useful resources and information to help you successfully run a safe food business in Brisbane.
| Based on size of area for handling or storing food | Fees |
|---|---|
| Minor < 250m 2 (applies to most home-based business kitchens) | $922.95 |
| Medium > 250-1000m 2 | $1,260.65 |
| Major > 1000m 2 | $3,939.45 |
Note: Gross floor area equals all areas associated with the premises used for handling or storage of food.
Your renewal fee will be based on the lowest Eat Safe star rating you receive within the renewal period. The higher your Eat Safe star rating, the higher discount you get on your renewal fees.
Application fees for mobile food business licenceYour food business licence is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
| Based on size of area used for handling or storing food | Fees |
|---|---|
| Minor < 250m 2 | $922.95 |
After that, your renewal fee will be based on the lowest Eat Safe star rating you receive within the renewal period. The higher your Eat Safe star rating, the higher discount you get on your renewal fees. Learn how to increase your star rating.
Application fees for temporary food stallsYou can apply for:
| Type | Detail | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Food stall - annual | Annual licence (renewable) | $922.95 |
| Food stall - one-off, non-renewable | Low risk - up to 4 consecutive days | $365.50 |
| Food stall - one-off, non-renewable | Low risk - up to 12 consecutive days | $405.15 |
| Food stall - one-off, non-renewable | High risk - up to 4 consecutive days | $444.75 |
| Food stall - one-off, non-renewable | High risk - up to 12 consecutive days | $533.75 |
High risk: Full preparation where stalls are preparing, storing, handling or cooking unpackaged food, including cooking food on-site for taste testing
Low risk: Applies to all food stalls which do not meet the high risk category, examples:
Charities and religious organisations who need a licence and are listed in Council's register of Type 1 organisations are exempt from the application fees.
Non-profits do not need a licence unless they are selling meals 12 or more times a year. A meal is food served with cutlery and requires seating. For example, a sausage sizzle is not considered a meal that requires seating and use of cutlery.
An annual food business licence is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. You should receive a renewal invoice in the mail, at least 60 days before the due date. Make sure your contact address is current with Council. If not paid by that date, you will be given an opportunity to restore your licence. A licence can be restored within 30 days of the licence expiry date. After this time, you will be operating without a food business licence.
Food licence renewal fees
The higher your Eat Safe star rating, the higher discount you get on your renewal fees. Learn how to increase your star rating. Your renewal fee is based on the lowest Eat Safe star rating you receive within the renewal period:
| Area | 5 star | 4 star | 3 star | 0-2 star |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minor < 250m 2 | $461.50 | $692.25 | $876.60 | $922.95 |
| Medium > 250-1000m 2 | $630.40 | $946.15 | $1,197.65 | $1,260.65 |
| Major > 1000m 2 | $1,969.70 | $2,954.60 | $3,742.30 | $3,939.45 |
Note: a bed-and-breakfast with minimum of 3 star Eat Safe rating can qualify for 40% off the renewal fee.
Once you get your licence, any change to the business may require an update or amendment to your licence.
When to make an amendment and the fee
You will need to apply for an amendment to your current food business licence if:
| Amendment | Fee |
|---|---|
| Each amendment | $271.55 |
If you are only updating contact details or postal addresses for the current business, you simply need to contact Council to advise of these changes, and do not require an amendment.
If your food business is changing locations, this requires a new application for a food business licence.
