Opening a new business
If you are starting a new business you must contact the City of Melbourne to ensure you comply with the Food Act 1984 requirements.
The Food Act 1984 requires that all businesses that handle, prepare, package, store, serve, supply and repackage food must be registered with their local council.
The City of Melbourne, in conjunction with the Melbourne Hospitality Advisory Board, has compiled the Hospitality toolkit to help you prepare as much as possible.The toolkit contains tips and suggestions, practical guides and informative links so that you can be part of the strong hospitality sector within the municipality that creates benefits for the whole city.
Food safety
Whether you are opening a new business or have purchased an existing business, you will also need to prepare a Food safety program and nominate a Food safety supervisor for your business prior to obtaining registration.
Application form
In addition to receiving the necessary building and planning permits, you need to complete an application for preliminary plans approval form and submit this with two copies of floor plans for approval prior to commencement of works. These plans must:
- be drawn to scale of not less then 1:100
- show the layout of all fixtures, fittings and equipment
- provide a description of materials to be used for surface finishes including walls, floors and bench tops
- indicate locations of waste disposal area, bin wash area, storage areas and toilets.
An environmental health officer will assess the submitted plans against the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand's Food Premises and Equipment Food Safety Standards 3.2.3.
This usually takes 15 working days to complete. A five working day fast-track service is also available for an extra fee. Council will advise you in writing of approval or any additional requirements that have not been shown on the plans.
Upon receipt of council approval, works may commence for the fitout of the premises. On-site inspections are conducted by an environmental health officer during the construction of the premises, and a final inspection takes place prior to opening.
Once completed a Certificate of Registration under the Food Act 1984 will be issued and you can open your business. You must not open prior to registration as it is an offence under the Food Act 1984 and a penalty of over $14,000 can apply.
Fact sheets
Purchasing an existing food business
Before purchasing an existing food business, it is advisable (but not compulsory) for you to arrange for a premises inspection. This is known as a property inquiry and will ensure that you are aware of any outstanding orders or structural requirements placed on the business prior to settlement.
To arrange the inspection, you need to contact the City of Melbourne to request a property inquiry form.
During a property inquiry, an environmental health officer will undertake an assessment of the premises and write a report on the findings. This usually takes 15 working days to complete. A five working day fast-track service is also available for an extra fee. The current and proposed proprietors should then decide who will action any outstanding items as listed in the report.
If you decide to go ahead with the business purchase, you will need to transfer the Food Act Registration into your (company) name. An Application for Transfer of Registration form is available from the City of Melbourne.
Once all of the above has been completed you will receive a Certificate of Transfer of Registration under the Food Act 1984, and will be able to open for business.
What if I have already purchased a food business?
If you have already purchased an existing food business and have not transferred the Food Act Registration then you must contact the City of Melbourne as soon as possible.