Registration of Food Premises

All organisations, individuals and community groups that sell food and beverages are required to register with a Victorian Council under the Food Act 1984 (the Act).

Council has developed a set of Food Premises Registration Guidelines(PDF, 2MB) to assist businesses in meeting the requirements of the Food Act and the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. This document provides guidance on business classifications, food safety programs and food safety supervisor requirements, construction guidelines and information of mobile food vehicles and Food Trader links. 

An application form for registration under the Act must be completed and submitted to Council with the appropriate fee.

Registration of premises covers a 12 month period each year from 1 January, or the date the business commences operation, through to 31 December. In October of each year a renewal of registration form is sent out to all businesses, along with a request for payment of the annual registration fee. This form must be completed and returned to Council along with payment.

Businesses and community groups that operate a mobile premises, such as a van or stall, must also hold a current registration on Food Trader the state-wide notification system for temporary and mobile food sales. For more information and other requirements, go to Mobile Food Vans.

If you are unsure of the class your food business falls in visit our Food Business Classification page.

If you are purchasing an existing business, you can request a Pre-Purchase inspection(PDF, 25KB) to take place prior to settlement. This inspection gives you an overview of the outstanding requirements of the business under the Food Act 1984. Council requires a minimum of 7 days to conduct the inspection. 

Whether you purchase an existing business or open a new business, you must complete and return the Application for Registration(PDF, 107KB) under the Food Act. You will be forwarded an invoice for payment before an inspection of the business is arranged. You must not operate until the registration is granted. 

If you are renewing your registration, you can do so by completing the online renewal form.

Click here to renew your registration.