Food Safety is an important regulatory function of Council. West Coast Council is committed to ensuring that food businesses operating within the region prepare and sell food to the public that satisfies the requirements of the Food Act 2003, the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, and other relevant legislation and standards.
There is a significant cost associated with incidents of food poisoning within Australia and it is a core responsibility of Council’s Planning and Compliance team to ensure a high level of food safety is maintained.
Food safety relates to many factors including but not limited to:
- Temperature control
- Contamination issues
- Personal hygiene and food preparation control
- Structural requirements of a food business
New food businesses operating on the West Coast require assessment (including inspection) and approval before operating to ensure food safety standards are met.
Before a food business the operator must contact Council to discuss if a permit is required. Council can support you to ensure you have the information to operate a compliant food business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, yes if you intend to prepare and sell food to the public (including free food and market stalls), you may need a Licence under the Food Act 2003.
We recommend contacting our Planning & Compliance Department before progressing with plans to prepare and/or sell food of any type. This ensures you are informed, and if permits are needed, that the process is underway and permits are obtained.
Mobile food vans require a statewide mobile food licence.
These can be issued by any Council in Tasmania that may be the food vans home base.
Vans then require bookings if wanting to park in Council spaces such as parks, car parks or streets. To assist in planning your mobile food van placement, a map of Council parking areas is available here.
If you are unsure if you require a booking or have the correct food licence, please contact our Planning and Compliance department.
A Notification of a Food Business Form is required to be provided to Council, but a food licence is not required.
To apply for a food permit:
- contact our Planning & Compliance Department. The team can provide you with the appropriate forms
- complete and submit the forms available on this page. Our Planning & Compliance Department will then be in touch to confirm details and provide further information.
Food and Street Dining
| Food Business Registration/Inspection (including mobile/statewide) – All Risk Categories | $230.00 | GST Exempt |
| Food Business Registration Seasonal Sports Club | $150.00 | GST Exempt |
| Temporary Food Licence (per day) | $40.00 | GST Exempt |
| Street Dining Licence (per table, per year) | $100.00 | GST Exempt |
| Annual Food Van/Mobile Vendor Hawkers (unlimited) | $900.00 | GST Exempt |
| Food Van/Mobile Vendor Hawkers (one occasion) | $90.00 | GST Exempt |
| Food Business Occupancy Report | $205.00 | GST Exempt |
From December 2023, new directives from the Department of Health determined that certain food services, caterers and retail businesses must appoint at least one Food Safety Supervisor (FSS).
The role of the Food Safety Supervisor is to minimise the risk of customers becoming ill from food because of incorrect food handling. The FSS provides expertise and guidance to food handlers in the business by identifying and implementing procedures to address food safety risks.
More information regarding Food Safety Supervisors can be found here. Alternatively, contact our Planning and Compliance department if you are unsure if your business needs a Food Safety Supervisor or is currently compliant.
Free Online Food Training
Council has gained access to free online training – this can be completed in addition or ‘stand alone’to the face to face training that is routinely offered.
This training, endorsed by Environmental Health Australia, will assist you and your staff to develop the essential skills and knowledge required to ensure safe food for your customers and to comply with your obligations under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards.
The program uses animation, narration, interactive tasks and quizzes in a logical and easy learning format. The ‘essential’ food safety certificate can be printed upon completing the course.
To view a summary of the training please click HERE
Should you require any further information on any of the above, please contact the Planning and Compliance Department.
Free Online Food Allergen Training
All about Allergens course designed for staff working in both front and back of house roles in food service establishments.
To participate in the FREE training please use the link below:
Note: Select Latrobe as your Council when registering.