Food Business Licence QLD Application Help

Which food licence situation are you in?

A food licence in QLD comes from your local council, and the pathway depends on whether you're starting a new business, taking over an existing one or changing a licensed business. Most food manufacturers and businesses selling unpackaged food by retail, such as cafes and restaurants, need a licence. Exemptions exist, but food safety law still applies to exempt businesses, and primary produce under Safe Food accreditation is a separate system.

We help you work out which application fits before you spend time on forms. We have specific help for:

Restaurants, cafes and takeaways
Catering businesses
Small food manufacturers
Food trucks and other mobile food businesses

15Years of experience

550+Projects

170+Clients

100%Approval rate

Getting your food licence application ready

Tell us about the business
Describe your premises, menu or products and timing. We'll help identify the right application and give you a free quote.
Gather the supporting material
We work through the details council is likely to consider, from approvals and fitout to food safety arrangements, and help you put them in order.
Prepare the application
We help you complete a clear application for your council and point out anything to confirm with them directly.

What council looks at, and what we prepare

Council assessment can take in other approvals such as planning, whether your premises and fitout suit the business, your food safety knowledge, a food safety program where one is required and food safety supervisor arrangements. We help you gather that information and prepare clear supporting material so your application answers those questions. Council makes the decision, and fees vary between councils.

If you also plan to serve alcohol, a food licence and a liquor approval are separate. We help with both, so you can plan them together rather than discovering the second one late.

Chef cooking in a stainless steel commercial kitchen

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Liquor Licence QLD issue food business licences?

No. Your local council assesses and decides food business licence applications. We help you understand the requirements and prepare your application, starting with a free initial consult.

If I have a liquor licence, do I still need a food licence?

Possibly. They are separate approvals. If your business manufactures food or sells unpackaged food by retail, a council food business licence may be needed unless an exemption applies.

How much does a food business licence cost in Queensland?

Council fees vary and there is no single statewide price. Check current fees with your local council. We can talk through your situation in a free initial consult.