Bubble Tea Shop License & Food Registration Guide (Melbourne)
Opening a bubble tea shop in Melbourne requires food business registration and compliance before you can legally operate.
This guide explains:
- What licenses you need
- Food registration process in Melbourne
- Council requirements
- Estimated costs
- Timeline before opening
- Common mistakes
This guide is designed for new bubble tea shops in Victoria, Australia.
What Licenses Do You Need to Open a Bubble Tea Shop?
Most bubble tea shops in Melbourne require:
Food business registration
Food Safety Supervisor certificate
Council approval
Public liability insurance
Waste & grease compliance (if applicable)
These are required before opening.
Step 1 — Register Your Food Business
In Victoria, food businesses are registered with your local council. Bubble tea shops are typically classified as: Class 2 food business, this includes:
- milk tea
- fruit tea
- toppings
- fresh ingredients
Class 2 businesses require:
- registration
- food safety program
- food safety supervisor
Food Registration Cost (Melbourne)
Typical council registration fees:
Small takeaway shop: $200 – $600 per year
Medium store: $400 – $900 per year
Shopping centre store: $600 – $1,200 per year
Fees vary by council.
Registration must be renewed annually.
Step 2 — Food Safety Supervisor Certificate
At least one staff member must hold a Food Safety Supervisor certificate.
Course duration: 4–6 hours
Cost: $120 – $250
This certificate is mandatory for Class 2 businesses.
Step 3 — Council Approval
Before opening, council may require:
Shop layout review
Equipment layout
Sink setup
Hand wash station
Food storage plan
Council may inspect the shop before approval.
Approval time: 1–3 weeks
Required Shop Setup (Food Compliance)
Most councils require:
Hand wash sink
Food prep sink
Hot water supply
Food grade surfaces
Fridge temperature control
Waste disposal plan
These are standard food safety requirements.
Step 4 — Public Liability Insurance
Most landlords and shopping centres require: Public liability insurance
Recommended coverage: $10 million – $20 million
Cost: $250 – $800 per year
Step 5 — Optional but Common Registrations
These are not always required but recommended:
ABN (Australian Business Number)
Business name registration
Workers compensation (if hiring staff)
Music license (if playing music)
How Long Does Food Registration Take?
Typical timeline:
Apply to council: 1–3 days
Council review: 3–7 days
Inspection (if required): 3–10 days
Approval total time: 1–3 weeks
Apply at least 2–3 weeks before opening
Common Mistakes When Applying
Applying too late
Incomplete shop layout
Missing sink requirements
No food safety supervisor
Wrong business classification
These can delay approval.
Example Timeline Before Opening
4 weeks before opening: Apply for food registration
3 weeks before: Complete shop fit-out
2 weeks before: Food safety supervisor course
1 week before: Council inspection
Opening day
Food Safety Requirements for Bubble Tea Shops
Typical requirements:
Store milk below 4°C
Cook tapioca properly
Clean utensils regularly
Separate raw & ready-to-eat
Label ingredients
These are standard food safety rules.
Do Bubble Tea Shops Need Commercial Kitchen?
No. Most bubble tea shops operate as: Takeaway beverage shop. No commercial kitchen required. However, you still need: food registration & food safety compliance.
Do I Need Council Inspection?
Some councils inspect before opening. Others approve without inspection. Inspection usually checks:
sink setup
clean surfaces
fridge temperature
storage
Estimated Total License Cost
Food registration: $200 – $900
Food safety certificate: $120 – $250
Insurance: $250 – $800
Total: $570 – $1,950
This is relatively low compared to other startup costs.
FAQ — Bubble Tea Shop License Melbourne
Do I need license to open bubble tea shop in Melbourne?
Yes.
You must register your food business with your local council. Most bubble tea shops are Class 2 food businesses.
How much is food registration in Melbourne?
Typically: $200 – $900 per year. Depends on council and shop size.
Do I need food safety certificate?
Yes.
At least one staff member must hold: Food Safety Supervisor certificate
How long does approval take?
Usually: 1–3 weeks
Apply before opening.
Do I need commercial kitchen?
No.
Bubble tea shops can operate as takeaway beverage shops.
Do I need council inspection?
Sometimes.
Some councils inspect before approval.
Can I sell bubble tea from small takeaway shop?
Yes.
Most bubble tea shops are small takeaway stores. You still need food registration.