Food Premises

Application Procedure for New Food Premises

Before you start any work on your premises or have plans drawn up have a look at Getting Started in the Food Business to ensure you will comply with the requirements of the First Schedule of the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974.

Your application submission should consist of:

  • A completed application form. This is a legal document and must be completed properly
  • A written description of the type of business you plan to operate 
  • An accurate plan of the premises outlining rooms and their uses; incidental features such as yard areas, staff changing and tea rooms etc; position of all major appliances including extractor ventilation hoods; and a schedule of finishes detailing materials to be used for walls, floors, ceilings and bench surfaces.
  • The required fee (for up to date fees see Environmental Health Licence Fees)

An architect or designer who has previous experience in designing food premises will be able to help you with a plan. Please remember it is an offence to open for business prior to gaining registration.

Then what?

An Environmental Health Officer will undertake a pre-opening inspection of the premises. If the inspection shows that the premises are set up correctly in accordance with the submitted application and complies with the First Schedule of the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974, the premises can then be given permission to open.

Registration is annual, in the Nelson City registration runs from 1 July until 30 June the following year.