Purchasing an Existing Business

Below we have provided you with information that will explain our processes to transfer a registration or to notify us of change of business ownership. Click on the business category relevant to you to obtain more information.

Contact details

Should you require any advise on purchasing an existing business, please contact Council's Public Health Unit.

In person:   Hobsons Bay City Council
  115 Civic Pde
   Altona VIC 3018
Phone: 9932 1000
Email:  publichealth@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

 

 

As of 1 July 2021, 'Transfer of registration' is being removed from the Food Act 1984. A new proprietor of an already registered food premises will make an application for registration, rather than transfer of registration. The Public Health Unit will grant a registration to the new proprietor and cancel the registration of the previous proprietor according to new section 40F.

  • as a general recommendation all new proprietors should complete all their due diligence before signing a lease. We recommend you complete a Request for Inspection and Information report

  • please complete the Plans assessment form to notify us of the change of ownership

  • all food businesses must comply with the Food Act 1984

  • your food business registration is applicable from 1 October to 30 September, the following year

  • a food business is any business involved in the sale, storage and preparation of food or beverages

Training and record keeping

Ensure you have the following training and record keeping forms before you purchase a food business.

  • all hair, beauty and skin penetration businesses (including home businesses) must comply with the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008
  • your Public Health and Wellbeing registration is applicable from 1 January to 31 December
  • the business you wish to purchase must currently be registered with Council
  • purchasing an existing beauty or skin penetration business requires you to transfer the public health and wellbeing registration
  • activities that require transfer of registration include:
    • body and ear piercing
    • manicure/pedicure
    • electrolysis/laser treatment
    • beauty therapy
    • waxing/threading
    • tattooing
    • colonic irrigation
    • dry needling
    • cosmetic tattooing

 

  •  when you decide to purchase the existing business you will need to complete the Transfer application form to transfer the business registration into your individual / company name
  • hairdressers, barbers and make-up artists obtain ongoing or 'once off' registration. This means annual renewal of registration is not required. If you are purchasing an existing business for this type of premises you will need to register as a new business and complete the Plans assessment form

You need comply with the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, if it is a:

  • motel or hotel
  • bed and breakfast
  • hostel
  • boarding or rooming house
  • holiday camp
  • student dormitory

and, where there are four or more fee paying occupants.

  • your Public Health and Wellbeing registration is applicable from 1 January to 31 December
  • as a general recommendation all new proprietors should complete all their due diligence before purchasing a new business. We recommend you complete a Request for Inspection and Information report 
  • if you are purchasing an existing business for this type of premises you will need to register as a new business and complete the Plans assessment form

     

Step 1: Request for inspection and information 

  • a request for an inspection and information report relating to the business you wish to purchase is recommended
  • a fee will apply to complete this process. The fee will depend on the type of business being transferred
Food Act (7 day notice) $900
Food Act (14 day notice) $570
Tattooing & Piercings $900
Accommodation $900
Hair & Beauty Therapies    $550
  • once the request of inspection and information is received, an invoice will be emailed to you 
  • you will need consent of the current registered proprietors to obtain the report
  • to request this report please complete the Request for Inspection and Information report form

     

Step 2: Transfer application form

  • to apply for transfer of registration, the business you wish to purchase must currently be registered with Council
  • the application for transfer of registration must be completed by the proposed proprietor and approved by the current proprietor
  • please allow a minimum of 10 working days to process the application
  • food, hairdressing and accommodation premises need to register as a new business and complete the Plans assessment form 
  • for beauty and skin penetration business please complete the  Transfer Application Form to submit your application

 

Step 3: Council processing

  • details from the transfer application form will be entered into our registration database
  • an officer may contact you if further information is required

 

Step 4: Fees determined and invoice produced

  • transfer application fees are equivalent to the renewal fee of the current premises. The current proprietor's renewal fee would have been determined by the classification or business activities conducted
  • once the transfer application has been processed an invoice will be generated and mailed out to you

 

Step 5: Inspection

  • once the transfer registration fee has been paid an officer will be in contact with you to arrange an appointment for inspection
  • please allow a minimum of 10 working days for inspection to be arranged
  • an inspection report will be provided to you that may outline any compliance issues

 

Step 6: Registration

  • once your premises complies with the inspection it will be registered with Council
  • a transfer of registration certificate will be mailed to you
  • one month after registration another inspection will be conducted to provide further guidance if necessary