Register a food business

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Any business that sells food or drink in the Surf Coast Shire must:

  • Register with Council under the Victorian Food Act 1984; and
  • Comply with the Food Act 1984 and the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

The intent is to ensure all products sold are safe and suitable for consumption.

Some examples include:

  • Cafes;
  • Restaurants;
  • Domestic kitchens;
  • Mobile food vehicles;
  • Temporary food stalls;
  • Green grocers;
  • Supermarkets;
  • Childcare centres; and
  • Aged care facilities.

Before you apply

1. Consider utilising Council's Business Concierge service

Council's Business Concierge service is designed to take the stress out of getting various Council permits and make the process as smooth as possible. As part of the service, all staff from relevant departments will discuss your proposal and then provide a summary about what information will be required to obtain necessary permits.

2. Apply for other permits (if required)

A planning permit may be required depending on the type of business and location.

If building works are proposed as part of your business you may require a building permit.

3. Understand relevant food safety requirements

Food safety requirements vary depending on the type of food you prepare or sell, who you sell it to, and what food processing activities are carried out onsite.

Such requirements include:

  • Food premises structural requirements;
  • Food safety supervisor and food handler training; and
  • Food safety programs.

For more information head to our Meeting food safety requirements section.

4. Request assessment of plans and/or a pre-registration inspection (optional)

To obtain guidance specific to your food business proposal, you may wish to request:

  • A pre-registration inspection; and/or
  • Assessment of floor plans.

Throughout these processes you will then be provided with tailored advice to help ensure that your premises will be structurally compliant with applicable food safety standards.

This service is typically free of charge. A fee may apply if you request for more than one site to be reviewed.

For further information regarding structural requirements, head to our Meeting food safety requirements section.

Registration fees

Registration fees vary depending on:

  • Food business classification;
  • Food business type; and
  • Time of year you apply (pro-rata is applied for initial registration).

The applicable fee will be added when you apply via the online form, and credit card payment will be required as part of the final step before your application is submitted.

As a guide, please refer to the table below.

 Classification 

 Initial Registration Fee Range

(Pro-rata once off payment with application)

 Renewal of Registration Fee

(Annual payment after initial registration expires) 
 Class 1 Premises  $1,051.00 - $1,834.00  $1,044.00
 Class 1 Small Premises  $711.50 - $1,247.75  $715.00
 Class 2 Large Premises  $1,051.00 - $1,834.00  $1,044.00 
 Class 2 Premises   $565.50 - $993.75  $571.00
 Class 2 Small Premises  $335.50 - $582.25  $329.00 
 Class 2 Community Group   $160.00 - $277.00  $156.00
 Class 3A  $335.50 - $582.25  $329.00
 Class 3 Premises  $335.50 - $582.25  $329.00
 Class 3 Small Premises  $160.00 - $277.00  $156.00
 Class 3 Minor Premises  $100.50 - $170.25  $93.00
 Class 3 Community Group  $100.50 - $170.25   $93.00
 Class 4  N/A  N/A

Apply for registration

Fixed-location food premises registration

To register a fixed-location food premises (any premises which is not temporary or mobile) you will need to apply online via the button below and provide:

  • Applicant details;
  • Owner details;
  • Trading details;
  • Trade waste information;
  • Premises classification;
  • Premises type; and
  • Fee payment (via credit card).

Apply to register a fixed-location food premises

Temporary or mobile food premises registration

Definitions are as follows:

Temporary food premises

  • Stalls, tents or marquees (or any other structure that is not permanently fixed to a site) from which food is sold or handled for sale, such as a market, school fete or festival; or
  • Halls or similar buildings that are not owned or leased by the proprietor, which are used occasionally and where food is sold or handled for sale.

Mobile food premises

  • Vehicles such as vans, trailers or carts from which food is sold or prepared for sale.

To register a temporary or mobile food premises:

  • Click on the button below which will take you to the FoodTrader website;
  • Click on 'Login';
  • Enter your details (if you have any account) or otherwise click on 'Sign up now'; and
  • Follow the prompts to apply for registration.

Apply to register a temporary or mobile food premises

After you apply

1. Application reviewed

Your application will be assigned and reviewed by an Environmental Health Officer.

2. Contact with an Environmental Health Officer

Within 14 days you will be contacted by an Environmental Health Officer to discuss:

  • Your application;
  • Whether any further information is required; and
  • A suitable time to inspect the premises.

3. Premises Inspection

An inspection will be completed to ensure that the premises complies with national food safety standards. During this time, the officer will also talk to you about food preparation activities specific to the business and associated food safety requirements.

4. Follow up any corrective actions as required

 Any non-compliance items identified during the inspection will then need to be completed. A follow up inspection may be conducted to verify compliance or you may be requested to provide evidence of completion (such as photos).

5. Commence trading

 A certificate of registration will then be issued and you can commence trading.

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