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Food business registration

Licence summary

 

To store, prepare, distribute or sell food from a premises you need to be registered with us. Premises include restaurants, cafes, hotels, shops, canteens, market stalls, mobile catering vans and food delivery vans.

 

Registration also applies to individuals as caterers, child care and market traders. You must register your food business at least 28 days before commencing trade.

 

There is no fee required for registration of a food business.

 

Eligibility Criteria

 

Some manufacturers handling products of animal origin may need to be approved by the local authority or the Meat Hygiene Service, rather than registered. If you are uncertain whether your business needs to be approved or registered, contact the Food and Safety team.

 

Regulation Summary

 

A summary of the regulation relating to this licence  (Direct sale food businesses and individuals).

 

A summary of the regulation relating to this licence  (Food Manufacturers and distributors).

 

Application Evaluation Process

 

There are no formal consultation procedures in relation to applications made. Applications will be assessed on the information provided.

 

Will Tacit Consent Apply?

 

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from us by the end of the target completion period of 28 days.

 

Apply online

Downloadable forms and other documents.

 

If you wish to complete an application by hand and return it to us by post, you can download the application form here (pdf, Sept 11, 25KB).

 

Failed Application Redress

 

Please contact us in the first instance. Refusal for registration is normally only for persons banned from running a food business by the courts.

 

Licence Holder Redress

 

Please contact us in the first instance.

 

Consumer Complaint

 

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the business by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, contact the Food and Safety team.

 

Trade Associations

Public Registers

 

Please contact the Food and Safety Team for more information on the registers held.

 

Contact Details

 

For more information please contact the Food and Safety Team.