What are the key legal documents and obligations for establishing a restaurant or café business in Australia?

To set up a restaurant or café business in Australia, you will need to prepare and register a variety of legal documents. Key requirements include:

• Registering your business name with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
• Obtaining a Food business registration and implementing a food safety program.
• Obtaining a liquor license if serving alcohol.
• Getting Workers' compensation insurance and business insurance (e.g. public liability, property damage).
• Securing Council approval (e.g. building, planning, environmental health) and a lease agreement (if renting premises).
• Obtaining a trade waste agreement with the local council.
• Having Health and safety policies and procedures in place.

It is also a good idea to get a trade mark registered for your restaurant or café business to protect your brand and business name. Additionally, it is important to consider privacy obligations, such as complying with the Privacy Act 1988 and having a privacy policy in place to protect the personal information of your customers and employees.