Food Premises - New Business

This page provides information on what action and/or approvals are required to start a new business for the manufacture, preparation, storage or sale of food.

New food premises must meet legal requirements

If you are intending to start a new business including the manufacture, preparation, storage or sale of food, you will need to register your premises under the Health Act 1956 and Food Hygiene Regulations 1974.

In addition you may also have to meet other legislative requirements.

If you are constructing a new building or converting or changing the use of an existing building, you will need both Resource and Building Consents before you commence any site work.

If you intend to sell or supply liquor as part of your business, you will require a liquor licence under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989. The type of liquor licence you will need will depend on the type of business you intend to operate.

It is recommended you visit Council’s Customer Services Centre early to discuss your proposal and establish the various legal requirements you will have to comply with. Take your site plans, building plans and business details with you when you do this.

Taking over an existing registered food business

If you are buying an existing registered food business that has a current certificate of registration you must notify the change of ownership to Council’s Customer Services Centre.

If the business is unregistered i.e., registration has not been renewed you must apply for registration of the premises in your own right.

It is recommended you visit Council’s Customer Services Centre before the take over date to confirm:

  • The premises have current registration and there are no requisitions outstanding.
  • There are no Resource or Building Consents issues outstanding.
  • Any liquor licence issued for the premises is current and will remain so for at least three months after the date on which you assume control of the business. Licences are not transferable and this is important to enable a Temporary Authority to be issued pending the issue of your licence.

You need approval for advertising signs

Depending on their size, type, location and method of fixture, advertising signs must comply with Building, District Plan and/or Bylaw requirements.

Links to more food premises information

Legislation:

Porirua City Council links:

External websites: