Council provides public health related services and functions for the community.

Food safety

Council carries out inspections to ensure local restaurants and other food businesses are adhering to food safety standards.

NSW Health Food Business Notification

All food businesses in NSW must notify the NSW Food Authority of their food activity details, unless they are already licensed by the Authority. For example, businesses licensed under the NSW Food Production (Meat Food Safety Scheme) Regulation 2000, Food Production (Seafood Safety Scheme) Regulation 2001 or Food Production (Dairy Food Safety Scheme) Regulation 1999 do not need to Notify under this process as well.

Outdoor dining

There are guidelines you need to follow to get approval to establish an outdoor dining area. An outdoor dining area will only be permitted in association with an approved food business.

Outdoor dining regulations are contained within Element 4.9 of the Newcastle Consolidated DCP. The DCP contains all the requirements necessary to gain an outdoor dining approval.

Before making an application it is recommended you contact Council's Customer Enquiry Centre who are able to assist you have the correct plans, details and insurance certificate.

You must complete an Outdoor Dining Application Form 26kb pdf.

Applications may be lodged at the Customer Enquiry Centre.

Selling food in public places

If you want to run a market stall that sells food, or operate a moving or stationery food van, you need to get approval from Council. Contact Health and Food Services on 02 4974 2525 to obtain a copy of the appropriate application form.

Complaints about food premises

If you want to make a complaint about a food premises you should contact Health and Food Services on 02 4974 2525.

Hair, skin, beauty

If you want to start a hairdressing, beauty treatment, piercing or tattoo business you need to register your business with Council. You will be given a form during the development application assessment process. Contact the Customer Administration Officer on 02 4974 2525 for further details.

Council carries out inspections of these businesses to ensure they are adhering to health and safety standards.

Guidelines and Codes of Practice

• Guidelines for the Construction and Operation of Hairdressing/Beauty and Skin Penetration - produced by the Hunter Regional Health Education Committee. Contact the Customer Administration Officer on 02 4974 2525 to obtain a copy or go to NSW Health.
• Guidelines on Skin Penetration produced by NSW Health. Contact the Customer Administration Officer on 02 4974 2525 to obtain a copy or go to NSW Health.
• Skin Penetration Code of Best Practice - contact the Customer Administration Officer on 02 4974 2525.
• NSW Code of Practice for the Control of Legionnaires Disease - contact the Customer Administration Officer on 02 4874 2525 to obtain a copy or go to NSW Health.
• Food Standards - Food Standards Australia New Zealand ensures safe food by developing effective food standards for Australia and New Zealand. Go to Food Standards Australia New Zealand.
• Temporary Food Premises Code - Relating to the selling of food at a short-term event such as a fete from a temporary food premises. Contact the Customer Administration Officer on 02 4974 2525 to obtain a copy.