💡 Key insights
- Hospitality licensing in Australia requires businesses to obtain the correct permits for operations such as selling liquor and preparing food so they comply with state and territory regulations.
- A liquor licence is mandatory for venues that sell or supply alcohol and the specific licence type depends on the service setting such as on-premises, takeaway or special events.
- Food businesses must meet food safety standards which include registering with local councils, implementing food handling procedures and ensuring staff have appropriate training.
- Navigating hospitality licensing often involves identifying all relevant permits, understanding ongoing compliance obligations and maintaining records to avoid fines or enforcement action.
Introduction
If you are starting a hospitality business in Australia, it is important to obtain all the necessary licenses and permits to ensure your business is operating legally. Australia’s food safety regulatory system operates at a state level, meaning that the rules and regulations will differ depending on what state or territory you plan to operate in. Therefore, it is critical to ensure compliance with your particular state’s licensing requirements.
Food Business License
A Food Business License is a permit required for businesses that handle, prepare, manufacture, transport, store or sell food in Australia. The specific requirements and regulations differ slightly between states and territories, but generally, any business involved in selling food must obtain a Food Business License.
The main purpose of the license is to ensure that food businesses maintain proper food safety standards and comply with the relevant food laws. This helps protect public health by reducing the risk of food-borne illnesses.
It is important to note that each state and territory has different requirements and procedures for obtaining a Food Business License, so you should visit the Australian Business License and Information Service website and your local state government website for more information:
● ACT
● NSW
● NT
● QLD
● SA
● TAS
● VIC
● WA
Food Safety Supervisor Certificate
A Food Safety Supervisor Certificate is a mandatory requirement for certain food businesses in Australia. However, the specific rules regarding who needs this certificate can vary between states and territories.
In general, a Food Safety Supervisor Certificate is aimed at ensuring that at least one person in a food business has adequate knowledge and skills in safe food handling practices, food safety requirements, and their legal obligations. This person is responsible for supervising and training other food handlers in the business.
Like all of these licenses, the Food Safety Supervisor Certificate requirements differ across different Australian states and territories. For example, in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and the ACT, it is mandatory for most food businesses that process, handle or sell potentially hazardous foods (foods requiring temperature control) to have a certified Food Safety Supervisor on staff. In South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory, the requirement for a Food Safety Supervisor may depend on the type of food business, the risk classification, or the local council’s specific regulations.
The process to obtain a Food Safety Supervisor Certificate typically involves completing a nationally recognised training course, either in-person or online, followed by an assessment. The certificate is usually valid for a specific period before requiring renewal.
There may be exemptions for some low-risk food businesses, such as those selling pre-packaged foods or operating from temporary premises. However, these exemptions differ between states and territories, so it is important to visit your local state government’s website for more information.
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Liquor License
A liquor license in Australia is a permit required for businesses that want to sell, serve, or supply alcoholic beverages. The specific requirements and regulations for obtaining a liquor license can vary between states and territories, but generally, any business involved in the sale or service of alcohol must have the appropriate liquor license.
It’s important to note that the specific license types, requirements, and fees can vary significantly between states and territories, as well as between different local government areas within each state or territory. Some jurisdictions may have different license categories based on factors such as the type of establishment, trading hours, or the specific alcoholic beverages being sold.
Failure to obtain the appropriate liquor license can result in significant fines or penalties for businesses operating without the required permits. It’s essential to consult with the relevant liquor licensing authority in your state or territory to understand the specific requirements and application processes for your business.
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Outdoor Dining Permit
Outdoor dining permits are required for businesses in Australia that want to set up tables and chairs for customers to dine outside on public footpaths, plazas, or other outdoor areas.
The specific rules and requirements for outdoor dining permits can differ between states and territories, as well as between local councils within each state/territory. However, in general, any food business (restaurant, cafe, bar, etc.) that wants to offer outdoor dining on public land needs to obtain the appropriate permit. It is important to visit your own local council website for more details.
Conclusion
It is likely that your hospitality business will require more than just the licenses mentioned above. Depending on the state or territory your business is located, and the type of hospitality business (e.g., bar, restaurant, cafe etc.), some additional licenses and permits may be required to operate your business. Therefore, it is important to visit the Australian Business License and Information Service website for more information. You may also want to further discuss your license and permit obligations with one of Lawpath’s lawyers.
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