Skip to main content
Official government website

This page is in Alpha.

Apply for a temporary restaurant permit

Last updated on August 14th, 2026

Use this service to apply to the Environmental Health Department for a permit to operate a temporary restaurant - for example, to serve food at an event. For more information, and to find out if you should apply for a temporary restaurant permit, click here.

Who is this permit for

You need to apply for a permit if you are responsible for the serving of any food or drink at an event, whether you sell it or give it away, including free samples. Both the event organiser and each food vendor must apply. Read what counts as a temporary restaurant, who must apply, and what your event needs.

Before you start

You must:

  • Have a medical certificate for all staff handling food or drink

You will need:

  • Your name, address, phone number and email address
  • The name, address and dates of the event
  • The food and drinks you will serve and where you will get them
  • The number of food handlers, your water and sanitation arrangements, and the expected number of people attending the event
  • The organiser's details, if someone else is organising the event
  • Your own medical certificate. Everyone else working with you must walk with theirs on the day
  • Hairnets, beard nets and clean covered clothing for everyone handling food — and no jewellery, false nails, false eyelashes, make-up or perfume (see the full list)
  • If someone else is organising the event, a letter from the venue or organiser confirming you can operate there
  • If you are organising the event, a site or stall plan
  • If you have one, a copy of your food business licence

Read the Health Services (Restaurants) Regulations, 1969 for the full legal requirements.

When to apply

Apply at least 14 days before your event. Applications made later than this may not be accepted.

Complete the form

There are 2 ways to apply for a temporary restaurant permit. You can:

  1. Apply for a permit online

    Allow about 10 - 15 minutes to complete the form.

    Start now

  2. Get a paper application from the polyclinic

    You must complete it by hand and submit the application to the polyclinic associated with the area where the food or drink will be served. If you require further information or assistance, contact the polyclinic - information can be found at the bottom of this page.

Cost

There is no cost to apply, nor to receive your temporary restaurant permit.

What happens after you apply

  • Your application goes to the Environmental Health Department associated with the polyclinic closest to the location of where you will be serving food or drink.
  • If you do not already have a licensed food business, an Environmental Health Officer will inspect where the food is being prepared and stored.
  • Mass events - your permit is issued at the event, not in advance. An officer checks your set-up on the day and issues the permit if it meets the requirements.
  • Permits are non-transferable - Permits are issued for a specific location and/or event, and may be valid for 30 days from the date of issue.

Submitting an application does not mean that a temporary restaurant permit has been granted.

Contact

If you need help, contact the Environmental Health Service office for your area.