Purchasing an existing business

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.

• Class 4: No records are required
• Class 3: Require minimum food safety records to be completed
• Class 1 & 2: Require Food Safety Program & Food Safety Supervisor

• 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

• 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

•  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

• 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