Temporary food businesses are temporary structures that are:

• used to prepare and sell food at occasional events such as a fete, market or show; and
• dismantled after the event, like a stall, tent or barbeque stand.  

They can also include parts of structures or land, and permanent structures not owned or leased by the business and used occasionally (eg, a community hall).

A Temporary Food Business operator must comply with the Food Act 2006 and Food Safety Standards in order to protect consumers.

 All food stalls must be:

• constructed in compliance with Council requirements;
• approved, with or without conditions; and
• operated in accordance with the Food Safety Standards.

Short-term food stall approvals are issued to an operator that is attending a single event only such as for the Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival, Burdekin Water Festival, Home Hill Harvest Festival; or a one-off food stall at an approved market. 

An annual food stall licence is available for an operator who wishes to operate at a number of markets or events throughout the licensing period. The fit out facilities and construction must remain the same for all events attended. Please refer to Temporary Food Stall fit-out guide for more information.

A licence must be obtained from Council to operate a short-term or annual food stall at a market or event.

Making an application

A Temporary Food Business Licence Application is to be completed and submitted to Council with the required fee. The application must include a site plan with details of the stall set-up. 

The application must be submitted at least 7 days prior to the event.

Please refer to the Temporary Food Stall checklist for assistance prior to and on the day of the stall/event.