To get a coffee shop licence in Australia, you must secure council food business registration and pre‑opening approvals, with state and local rules determining exact steps and timing. Start by confirming zoning and, if needed, obtaining a planning/change‑of‑use permit for café/restaurant, including approved trading hours and number of seats. Submit fit‑out plans for food‑premises approval showing floors/walls/ceilings, mechanical ventilation over cooking, dedicated hand‑wash basins, dishwashing, pest proofing, and a compliant grease trap/trade‑waste agreement; design to the Food Standards Code and local guides (e.g., AS 4674). Register your food business and nominate a qualified Food Safety Supervisor; implement Food Standards Code Standard 3.2.2A (food handler training and applicable recordkeeping), and any state‑mandated Food Safety Program. Book the council inspection; you cannot trade until you pass. Add ancillary permits early: outdoor dining, footpath signage, building approval for structural works, APRA AMCOS music, and a liquor licence (plus RSA) if you plan espresso martinis. Practical sequencing: include "subject to council approval" in the lease, lodge planning before fit‑out, order FSS training during the build, and schedule inspection 1–2 weeks pre‑opening. Typical lead time: 4–10 weeks depending on council workload and completeness of plans. Budget for fees, inspections, and contingencies in your opening timeline.
