Tag Archive for: Restaurant Permits

Planning Permits, Licenses and Approvals for Takeaway Food Outlets and Franchises

Opening a takeaway food outlet or franchise in Victoria, whether it’s a well-known fast-food chain, a local independent takeaway, or a long-term food truck, requires careful planning and compliance with various regulations. To ensure your business runs smoothly and legally, you’ll need to navigate the processes for obtaining planning permits, business licences, and other necessary approvals. Here’s a guide on what’s required for different types of takeaway food businesses.

What are the different types of Takeaway Food Outlets?

Before diving into the specific permits and licences required, it’s important to understand the different categories of takeaway food businesses:

  • Fast Food Chains and Franchises: These are national or international brands offering quick-service meals, such as burgers, pizza, fried chicken, and more. These outlets typically offer both takeaway and dine-in options.
  • Independent Takeaways: Local businesses that provide a variety of quick meals, ranging from fish and chips to kebabs, sushi, and other fast-casual food options. These businesses are often standalone operations or small chains.
  • Long-term Food Trucks: Mobile units that are intended to stay on a premises long term, such as a kebab van at a petrol station. This in not to be confused with mobile food trucks which stay at a location short term, such as events, markets or specific locations with high foot traffic.

Each of these business types has unique considerations when it comes to planning permits, licences and approvals.

Step 1: Zoning and Planning Permits for takeaway food outlets and franchises

The first step in establishing a takeaway food outlet or franchise is ensuring your chosen location complies with local zoning regulations:

  • Zoning Requirements: In Victoria, zoning provisions dictate where specific types of businesses can operate. Fast food chains and independent takeaways are generally permitted in Commercial and Mixed-Use zones. However, if you’re considering a location in a different zone, such as a residential area, you may face additional restrictions and will likely need a planning permit.
  • Planning Permit: If your chosen location isn’t automatically zoned for a takeaway food business, you’ll need to apply for a planning permit. This process involves submitting detailed plans and information about how your business will operate, including its impact on traffic, parking, and local amenities. The Council will assess how your business will affect the surrounding area, particularly if it’s near residential zones.
  • Special Considerations for Food Trucks: Food trucks often have additional considerations, such as where they can park and operate. You may need a specific permit or approval from the local Council to operate in public spaces, markets, or events. Some Councils have designated areas or specific requirements for mobile food vendors. It is best to speak with your local Council in the first instance and if they advise a planning permit will be required, AS Planning is here to help.

Step 2: Business licences and permits for takeaway food outlets and franchises

In addition to planning permits, there are several other licences and permits you’ll need to operate a takeaway food outlet or franchise:

  • Food Business Registration: All food businesses in Victoria must register with their local Council. This registration ensures that your business complies with food safety standards and is subject to regular health inspections. Whether you’re running a fast-food franchise, an independent takeaway, or a food truck, this registration is mandatory.
  • Building Permit: If you’re making structural changes to a building, such as installing a commercial kitchen or altering the layout for a takeaway outlet, you’ll need a building permit. This ensures that the building meets safety and accessibility standards.
  • Signage Permit: For any exterior signage advertising your takeaway food outlet, you may need a signage planning permit from your local Council. This permit ensures that your signage complies with local regulations and policies within the Planning Scheme regarding size, illumination, and placement.
  • Mobile Food Vehicle Permit (for Food Trucks): If you operate a food truck, you’ll need a Mobile Food Vehicle Permit. This permit allows you to legally operate your food truck in designated areas and ensures compliance with health and safety regulations specific to mobile food businesses.
  • Trade Waste Agreement: Takeaway food outlets generate trade waste, including food scraps, used cooking oil, and packaging materials. You’ll need to enter into a trade waste agreement with your  local water authority to manage and dispose of this waste properly.
  • Outdoor Dining Permit: If your takeaway outlet or franchise plans to offer outdoor seating, such as tables on a footpath or in a courtyard, you’ll need an outdoor dining permit. This permit regulates the use of public spaces to ensure pedestrian safety and accessibility.

Step 3: Specific considerations for Franchises

For those opening a fast-food chain or franchise, there are additional considerations:

  • Bulk Licencing: Some franchises may have bulk licencing agreements for certain permits, such as liquor licences or food business registrations, which can streamline the process. However, you’ll still need to ensure that all local requirements are met.

How a Town Planning Consultant can help

Opening a takeaway food outlet, franchise, or long-term food truck in Victoria involves navigating regulations, permits, and licenses. As a town planning consultancy, AS Planning can assist you in every step of the process – from securing planning permits to business licences. Our expertise ensures that your business is set up for success, allowing you to focus on delivering great food to your customers.

Contact AS Planning today for expert advice and assistance with planning permits, business permits and licences.

A checklist of essential permits and approvals for opening a new or franchised Restaurant or Café

Essential Permits & Approvals for opening a new or franchised Restaurant, Cafe or other hospitality business - Picture of the interior of a restaurant with tables and seats, and plates and cutlery laid out on tables.

Are you planning to open a Restaurant or Cafe in Melbourne or Victoria? Congratulations on your exciting venture! 

To help you get started, we’ve put together a checklist of essential permits and approvals you’ll likely need before you can start serving customers. Keep in mind that specific requirements may vary based on your location and the nature of your hospitality business.

**The below content is not planning advice**

8 permits and approvals that may be be required when opening a new Restaurant or Cafe in Melbourne or Victoria:

1. Planning Permit

You should begin by contacting your local Council or a Town Planning consultant to see whether you need to obtain a planning permit. If a planning permit is required from your local Council, you will need to receive this prior to operating. Possible permit triggers for a restaurant or cafe (commonly referred to as a ‘food and drink premises’) include:

  • Use and/or development of land based on the zoning and any overlays that cover the property.
  • Car parking reduction if you can’t provide all of your required car spaces on site.
  • Business identification signage and other types of signage.
  • Serving of liquor and the need for a red line plan.

Depending on the proposal and permit triggers, technical reports may be required such as traffic reports, acoustic reports, waste management plans, etc.

2. Building Permit

If your plans involve structural changes or renovations, securing a Building Permit is crucial. This permit ensures that your restaurant meets construction and safety standards. This is done through a private Building Surveyor, however some local Council’s still offer the service too.

3. Food Act Registration

To operate a food business, including franchise restaurants, you must register with the local Council. Compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations is a must. 

4. Liquor License

If your restaurant intends to serve alcohol, obtaining a liquor license is necessary. The type of license required may vary based on the extent of your alcohol service.

5. Outdoor Dining Permit

If you plan to offer outdoor seating for your restaurant, you’ll need to secure an outdoor dining permit. These permits often have specific requirements that vary by council, focusing on safety and compliance.

6. Occupancy Permit

Before opening for business, ensure that your restaurant or cafe complies with Building Regulations for public safety. An occupancy permit may be required.

7. Music License

If your franchise restaurant will play music, you may need to obtain the necessary music license. The type of licensing depends on the music’s nature and your establishment’s size.

Both your local Council and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of Victoria can provide advice on music and noise requirements.

8. Health and Safety Compliance

Your restaurant will need to adhere to health and safety regulations, including fire safety and accessibility, as well as maintain workplace safety standards.

WorkSafe Victoria can provide advice on health and safety protocols within the workplace.

Whether you’re opening an independent restaurant or you have licensed a new franchise location, this checklist is a helpful starting point. 

A Planning Consultant can help you prepare a permit application for your restaurant.

Navigating the permit and approval process can be complex, and it’s crucial to ensure that your business complies with all relevant regulations. 

We strongly recommend seeking support from a qualified Planning Consultant like AS Planning who can provide expert guidance, help you with the application process, and ensure a smooth opening for your restaurant, franchise or cafe. Their expertise can save you time and ensure a successful launch. Contact us today

Remember, early engagement with your local Council is key to a successful start. Each step in this checklist brings you one step closer to realising your dream of running a restaurant. Best of luck with your new business venture!