What is a gold licence caterer?

The Gold Licence Catering Scheme, is a self-regulating industry initiative. It is currently the only government-backed scheme, and many venues and government tenders insist on Gold Licence Accreditation. Restaurant & Catering New South Wales have taken the lead in raising the standards in the catering industry through the introduction of the scheme.

When hiring a caterer there are a few important questions you need to ask: The cheapest deal is not necessarily the safest!

• Has the caterer and their staff been trained in safe food handling?

• Is the food being prepared safely in a commercial kitchen and transported to your venue in a way that minimises food poisoning?

• Is the caterer's staff covered for workers compensation, so that if one of their employees has an accident in your home, they are covered by insurance?

• Does the caterer have public and product liability insurance so that if there is a problem, you are well covered?

A GOLD LICENCE protects you from "fly-by-night" operations and is your guarantee of a quality product.

A GOLD LICENCE caterer can set your mind at ease.

GOLD LICENCE Caterer must have the following:

 1. COMMERCIAL KITCHEN
It is a legal requirement for all commercial caterers to have a commercial kitchen for the preparation of food, adequate refrigeration for food storage, appropriate facilities for the transportation of food and the handling of food on site

 2. UP-TO-DATE AND RELEVANT INSURANCES
It is imperative that a caterer provides for the adequate protection of consumers by taking public and product liability and workers compensation insurances

3. TRAINING AND/OR EXPERIENCE
GOLD LICENCE caterers must have or employ a senior person who has five years experience within the hospitality industry, in food preparation or catering management, or an employee who has a trade qualification in cooking

 4. MANDATORY FOODSAFE HANDLING
Implementation of Food Safe - Food Handling Training

5. MANDATORY RESPONSIBLE SERVICE OF ALCOHOL CERTIFICATION
From a LAB provider