PERMANENT OR MOBILE PREMISES

Ensuring Food Safety and compliance in Cook Shire

Cook Shire Council requires food businesses operating from both fixed and mobile premises to obtain a food license if they handle unpackaged food for retail sale. This ensures food safety and compliance with local regulations.

Please note that if you will be serving alcohol, you may need a liquor licence from the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation.

A fixed premises is a stationary location where food is prepared or handled for retail sale. A food license is required if you are:

• Cutting or juicing fresh fruit or vegetables
• Preparing baked goods with fruit, dairy fillings, or icings
• Producing yogurt
• Making takeaway foods such as hamburgers, hot dogs, pizzas, hot chips, or curry
• Cooking meat for sausage sizzles or barbecues
• Cooking pasta or lasagna
• Preparing food for taste testing
• Handling any other unpackaged food that is not exempt

Mobile premises (eg: Food trucks and vans) offer the flexibility to take your business to various locations such as organised markets, events, parks, and private properties.
A food license is required if you are:

• Preparing and selling food from a motor vehicle, ice cream van, pie van, mobile snack truck, or mobile food trailer
• Selling unpackaged food from a vending machine

A license is not required if you are selling:

• Food from vending machines
• Drinks such as tea, coffee, soft drinks, or alcohol
• Slushies, flavored ice, or ice made onsite
• Pre-packaged food prepared by a licensed business

For more detailed information on the requirements and application process for obtaining a food license for either permanent or mobile premises, refer to the Cook Shire Council Food License Application Form.