Businesses operating in some industries are required to register with Council under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 to protect public health. These industries include 

• tattoos and body art
• hair and beauty salons 
• accommodation for six or more guests
• and tobacco retailers.

Personal Care & Body Art Businesses

Hairdressers, tattoo parlours, and related businesses must register with Council. An inspection will be conducted prior to registration, and you are required to meet strict hygiene and safety standards.

Note that you must register your business with the Council and be granted a Certificate of Registration before you operate your business to comply with the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008.

Application for Registration of Personal Care Business(PDF, 326KB)

More information about industry guidelines, including fact sheets for the Personal Care and Body Art Industry, can be found on the Department of Health website.

Prescribed Accommodation

Accommodation businesses that house six or more people—such as hotels, hostels, or rooming houses—must be registered and meet industry standards for health and safety. Regular inspections are conducted to ensure compliance.

If you want to run a prescribed accommodation business, you will need to register with the Council to obtain the necessary permits before you operate. The Council will conduct a series of inspections before it grants registration. Prescribed accommodation businesses cannot lawfully operate until a Certificate of Registration has been granted.

• Complete an ‘Application to Register Prescribed Accommodation’
• Submit your application and the applicable fee to the Council
• Submit any plans of the proposed development to the Council for comment and discussion prior to the commencement of any works
• The Council will conduct a series of inspections prior to granting registration
• Any accommodation business must not operate until a Certificate of Registration has been granted.

Council will assist with ensuring that both accommodation and any food preparation areas are compliant with the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 and the Food Act 1984.

Application to Register Prescribed Accommodation(PDF, 516KB)

Transferring a prescribed accommodation business

If you’re buying or selling an accommodation business, you need to complete a Transfer of Registration Form and submit it to the Council with the applicable fee.

Prospective buyers can request a pre-purchase inspection report from the Council. 

Application to Transfer Prescribed Accommodation(PDF, 265KB)

Request for Inspection of Premises(PDF, 344KB)

Drinking water

It is a requirement for prescribed accommodation businesses to supply potable (drinking) water to the premises for consumption.

Visit the Department of Health website to read the guidelines for private drinking supplies at commercial and community facilities.

Tobacco and Smoking Regulations

The sale, display, and advertising of tobacco products are strictly managed under the Tobacco Act 1987. Council regularly conducts visits to tobacco retailers, eating establishments and licensed premises to ensure that businesses comply with their obligations under the Act. Businesses must comply with all regulations to prevent access to tobacco by minors and to avoid penalties. For concerns about violations, contact the Council at 03 5760 2600.

Pre-purchase Inspections

If you’re interested in buying a business, you can request a pre-purchase inspection report from the Council. 

You’ll need to complete the Request for Inspection of Premises form below, obtain the consent from the current proprietor and pay the applicable fee to Council prior to the inspection.

Request for Inspection of Premises Form(PDF, 344KB)