Mobile Food Business

A mobile food vehicle can operate in any local government area in Queensland provided it has a current food business licence.

Types of mobile food vehicles:

Water carriers
Transport vehicles where food is handled, not prepared (i.e. smoko vans)
Transport vehicles where food is prepared and handled (i.e. takeaway food vans).

What do I need to know?

The structure of the mobile food business must meet the Food Act 2006 and Food Standards Code Requirements. If it doesn’t, then the construction will not be approved.
Council has 30 business days to process and assess a licence application.
Bona Fide Charitable or Community Organisation should also provide evidence of their non-profit status.
You may also need to check with other departments for any additional requirements:
- Council’s Planning and Regulatory Services Department (07) 3810 6666
- Urban Utilities 13 26 57

How do I apply?

If you are starting a new mobile food business or want to operate a mobile food business which has never been licenced in Queensland, you will need to complete both step 1 and step 2.

If you are purchasing an existing licensed food business, you will need to complete step 2 only.

Step 1 – Design Assessment

Complete the Application for Food Business Design - Assessment for New Business or Refurbishment to Existing Food Business ^{(PDF, 205.4KB)} application form.
Include plans of the layout (size A3) showing all details (floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, equipment, benches, storage, cleaning, sinks, etc.).

Submit the completed application form, plans and payment to Council by:

Email: council@ipswich.qld.gov.au
Post: PO Box 191, Ipswich Qld 4305
In Person: Ground Floor, 1 Nicholas Street, Ipswich.

Once your application has been processed, it will generally be tasked to the Environmental Health Team for review, assessment and approval.

In some cases, additional information may be required to properly assess your application. If this occurs, Council will work with you to obtain the necessary information and assist in progressing your application toward approval. After approval, you can commence fit out of the premises (in accordance with the approved plans and conditions).

Step 2 – Applying for a Food Business Licence

At least 30 days before your fit out is complete you will need to apply for a food business licence.
Complete the Application for a Fixed or Mobile Food Business Licence ^{(PDF, 234.5KB)}

NOTE: If a food safety program is required this will also need to be submitted

Nominate a Food Safety Supervisor and attach a copy of the certificate of attainment
Submit the completed application form, plans and payment to Council by:
- Email: council@ipswich.qld.gov.au,
- Post: PO Box 191, Ipswich Qld 4305
- In Person: Ground Floor, 1 Nicholas Street, Ipswich.

What Happens Next:

Once your application has been processed it will generally be tasked to the Environmental Health Team for review and assessment.

A final inspection will be conducted to ensure it has been constructed as per the approved plans. The premises must pass this inspection for a food licence to be issued.

The premises must be in a “ready to trade” condition before a food business licence can be issued. This includes ensuring:

All fit-out works are complete
Fixtures, fittings and equipment are fully installed
Cleaning has been completed

All required utilities and services are operational.