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Need a Business Permit?

What type of permits does my business need?

There are a range of permits your business might need including:

Planning Permit
Health Permit
Footpath Trading Permit
Building Permit
Liquor Licence
Tourism Road Sign Permit

We understand that it can be difficult to know where to start.

Use the Business Permit Self Assessment tool below will help you understand the types of permits you may need for your business. It takes around three minutes. At the end, you will receive a summary of the permits you will most likely need and an option to use the Business Concierge Service.

Business Permit Assessment Tool

Ready to apply?

Once you have identified the permits your business needs, please click below for more information and how to apply:

Tourism Business Road Signs

Signage approvals are based on the "Tourist Signing Guidelines"
developed by Tourism Victoria and VicRoads. The primary role of these signs is to support way-finding for someone unfamiliar with the area. Find more info and make an enquiry here.

Food Trader Permits

Food Trader permits

Food Trader is the online registration database for businesses and community groups to register and notify their temporary or mobile food premises, vending machine or water carting business.

A-Frames (sandwich board) or trading on the Footpath

Surf Coast Shire Council supports the conduct of footpath trading associated with established businesses.
A permit is required for all trading on community
footpaths, including:
• Display of movable advertising signs
• Display of merchandise
• Outdoor dining furniture
• Barrier screens
• Umbrellas
• Heaters
• Plants or planter boxes
• Outdoor speakers

Accommodation Premises permit

If you are planning on opening a new business that provides
prescribed accommodation businesses (which include hotels and motels, hostels, student dormitories, holiday camps, rooming houses & group accommodation) there is legislation in place that requires the registration of these businesses with Council.

Food Registration Permit/s

If you are opening a new food premises, purchasing an existing food premises, or you plan to serve food as part of your accommodation premises or home based business kitchen.

Planning Permits

Do I need a permit?
Applying for a permit?
Change a permit?
This link will redirect you to the planning page with all the information you need.

Building permit

A building permit is required for most structures, including small structures such as decks, a fence or retaining walls.
A building permit is a legal document, issued before construction commences. It ensures that the building meets the minimum requirements, find out more...........

Liquor Licence

The VGCCC regulates businesses focusing on the people, premises, products, and promotions involved in supplying liquor to ensure the integrity of Victoria's liquor industries and to minimise harm.

Health and Beauty Permits

Health businesses (which include hairdressers, beauty rooms and salons, tattooing and piercing, colonic irrigation, and any others involving penetration of the skin) must be registered with Council and comply with the Public Health and Wellbeing Act and Regulations.

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