Apply for a certificate of acceptability
If you intend to manufacture, store, distribute, prepare, transport or sell any kind of foodstuff intended for public consumption then you must apply for a Certificate of Acceptability (CoA).
How to apply
Please note
The certificate must be in the name of the owner of the business, or the premises on which the business is being conducted. You will still need to apply for a business licence if you prepare meals.
To apply for a CoA you need to register as a Business Partner. A business partner (BP) number is a 10 digit number that is used by the City to identify an individual or an organisation. The number is located in the top right corner of a City rates account, under the tax invoice and account numbers.
You can create a BP Number for yourself or for an organisation online via e-Services.
To apply for a CoA, follow the steps below:
Step 1: If you have not done so already, you will need to register for e-Services.
Step 2: Once you have registered, select Service Activation and activate the Environmental Health option. It will take ±5 hours for the service to be activated on your profile, after which you will be able to apply for a CoA.
Download the FAQs document for more information.
Step 3: The standard processing time is ten working days provided that all required documentation has been provided to the City. If your application is accepted, your certificate will be emailed to you and original certificates can be collected. Collection of certification is by appointment with the case processor that handled your application.
Your application will be assessed to see if special zoning permission is required, if so, your application will be rejected and you will be required to present the proof of zoning when you apply again.
If your zoning is in order an Environmental Health Practitioner will visit the premises to assess, among others:
- structural design and construction of the premises
- food safety practices
- waste disposal / pest control management and overall hygiene as specified in the regulations.
Dogs in restaurants
The National Department of Health has published Regulation R638 that governs General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises, which indicates that, except for a guide or service dog, an animal may not be permitted in a room or area where food is handled. However, a person in charge of a food premises may apply for an exemption from the regulation to allow dogs on the premises.
Contact us
If you have any queries, please contact an Environmental Health Office near you. Alternatively, our Call Centre can help with your queries:
City Call Centre
Telephone:
0860 103 089
For all queries relating to Business Partner (BP) number and e-Billing services:
Document downloads
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