The City of Port Phillip's Health Services Unit assesses plans and specifications for new food premises or alterations to existing food premises.

To assist food businesses provide safe food, Council's Health Services Unit has developed SCOOP, a food safety newsletter distributed twice a year to all businesses that prepare food for sale. Read the latest issue here.

SCOOP Winter 2008

SCOOP Summer 2008

SCOOP Winter 2007

SCOOP Summer 2007

SCOOP Winter 2006

SCOOP Summer 2006

Anyone interested in setting up a new food business or considering altering an existing premises should contact the Health Services Unit prior to starting work. Plans of the proposed set up of the premises need to be submitted to the Health Services Unit for approval.

Read theHealth Approval Kit  for more information.

All premises are required to submit food safety programs prior to registration.

See Food Safety Programs in the Public Health section for more details.

Use eServices to ask us a question, request information or give us feedback online. If you prefer call ASSIST on (03) 9209 6777 or TTy (03) 9209 6713 and ask for the Health Services Unit.

Useful information can be found at Food Safety Victoria website: www.health.vic.gov.au/foodsafety.

The City of Port Phillip's Environmental Health Officers routinely perform inspections of food premises to ensure food safety standards are followed and public health is protected.

Prior to purchasing an existing food business, it is wise to have the premises checked by an Environmental Health Officer.  To arrange an inspection, contact the Health Services Unit by telephoning ASSIST on (03) 9209 6777 or email ASSIST.

Alternatively, complete the Application for Transfer of Registration Inspection Form and pay the relevant fee.

Please note that written consent from the existing proprietor of premises is required prior to an inspection report from an Environmental Health Officer being released to the purchaser. Request for an Inspection and Consent for Disclosure of Information Form.

And return to:
Address: Health Services Unit, City of Port Phillip, Private Bag No 3, St Kilda  3182
Fax: (03) 9536 2720

When you purchase a food business, the transfer of Food Act registration cannot be approved until a food safety program for the premises is submitted.  This is required even though the premises will have a food safety program submitted by the previous proprietor.

For more information see Food Safety Programs in the Public Health Section.

To transfer the registration, complete the Application for Transfer of Food Act Registration Form and submit this form with the food safety program and the relevant fee to the Health Services Unit.

If you are wanting to open a new hairdresser, beauty or skin penetration premises, you should refer to the Health Guidelines for Personal Care and Body Art Industries.  These guidelines explain how to operate a hygienic business.  Go to www.health.vic.gov.au to view this document. You should have a copy of this document on the premises for reference.

You should submit a floor plan showing the layout of the premises and how it complies with these guidelines.  Submit the floor plan with the Health Act Approval Form and the relevant fee and return to:

Health Services Unit, City of Port Phillip, Private Bag No 3, St Kilda  3182
Fax: (03) 9536 2720

An Environmental Health Officer will assess the plans and inspect the premises to ensure it is suitable for registration.  Upon final inspection, you will be provided with the Application for Registration of Health Act Premises form.  Complete this form and submit with the relevant fee to the above address in order to obtain Health Act registration prior to operating your business.

(Hotels/Hostels/SRS)

You should submit a floor plan showing the layout of the premises and how it complies with the Health (Prescribed Accommodation) Regulations 2001.  Council's Health Services Unit has developed a kit to assist you in providing the information we need. Refer to the Prescribed Accommodation Health Approval Kit or contact an Environmental Health Officer if you need advice about these regulations.

Submit the floor plan with the Health Act Approval Form and the relevant fee and return to:

Health Services Unit, City of Port Phillip, Private Bag No 3, St Kilda  3182
Fax: (03) 9536 2720

An Environmental Health Officer will assess the plans and inspect the premises to ensure it is suitable for registration.  Upon final inspection, you will be provided with the Application for Registration of Prescribed Accommodation form.  Complete this form and submit with the relevant fee to the above address in order to obtain Health Act registration prior to operating your business.

Read more information about Tobacco Control visit: www.health.vic.gov.au/tobaccoreforms.

Use eServices to ask us a question, request information or give us feedback online. If you prefer call ASSIST on (03) 9209 6777 or TTy (03) 9209 6713 and ask for the Health Services Unit.