Business permits, approvals & tenders

Get approval for a food business

Make sure you have all the right permissions before you start trading.

Project Status: When you need to do this

If you’re taking on an existing food or drink business, renovating or converting one you need to ensure that you have the appropriate consent.

What you need to do

  1. Lodge a business registration form

    Before you open, you need to lodge a new premises registration and change of existing registration form (PDF 65.56KB).

    Operating a food business without consent is an offence.

  2. Arrange a free pre-development application meeting

    The site may already have development consent to operate as a food business. If not, check it is suitable before lodging your development application.

    Planning advice is available at Town Hall House customer service centre. Contact us to book an appointment.

    If you need development consent

    You’ll need to lodge a development application.

    Typically, this is because you’re setting up a brand new business, changing opening times and signs, or renovating the building. It may also be because your food business fits out a venue that serves food or drinks, or change its use in some other way.

  3. If your premises includes outdoor dining

    If your food business includes outdoor dining, you’ll need to apply for permission.

  4. If you’re intending to serve alcohol

    If you’re intending to serve alcohol, you’ll need a liquor licence.

    A liquor licence freeze is currently in effect for parts of the local area. To find out more and lodge your application, you need to go through Liquor & Gaming NSW.

  5. Apply for a food safety supervisor certificate

    Find out how to appoint a food safety supervisor through the NSW Food Authority.

    Further advice is available from our environmental health officers on 02 9265 9333.

  6. If you discharge trade wastewater

    You’ll need to apply for a trade waste permit through Sydney Water.

New premises registration and change of existing registration formPDF · 65.56 KB · Last updated
Food and drink premises DA fact sheetPDF · 153.92 KB · Last updated
How to open a food and drink businessPDF · 468.57 KB · Last updated

Before you start

Find a suitable premises

  • Make sure the premises is large enough and has a kitchen exhaust or room for one to be installed. The exhaust must discharge vertically above the roof level and not adversely affect another household or business. Further smoke or odour controls may be necessary.
  • If a grease trap is required by Sydney Water, it mustn’t be installed in any kitchen, food preparation or food storage areas. You should be able to empty the trap from the boundary of the property.

After you finish

Once all appropriate approvals have been issued, you can start trading.

Food premises inspections are not required before you start trading. Once you've registered the City of Sydney will carry out random, unannounced inspections.

People on the sidewalk in a city at nightDevelopment applicationsExtend your business trading hours
A group of adults sitting at an outdoor dining table.Business permits, approvals & tendersApply for outdoor dining approval
Man at City of Sydney service deskDevelopment applicationsGet advice from the City of Sydney for your development application
Empty row of glasses next to some alcoholPublic health & safety programsLiquor accords
Public health & safety programsOutdoor alcohol restrictions