Food registrations and licences
We are responsible for the registration of premises used by food businesses, and can advise on other types of licences required.
Registration of premises used for food business
You must register premises used for a food business (including market stalls, delivery vehicles and other moveable structures) with us.
Registration allows local authorities to keep an up-to-date list of all those premises in their area so they can visit them when they need to. The frequency of the visits will depend on the type of business.
Food related licences
Certain types of food businesses will require licences in addition to being registered with us.
Butchers licence
Although premises selling unwrapped raw meat (such as retail butchers shops, mobile shops, market stalls, grocers or supermarkets with a butchery counter) must be registered as a food business, there is no longer any requirement to obtain a separate butchers licence from us.
Game dealer licences
There is no longer a requirement to register with us if you wish to sell game from your premises. Venison and game may be sold all year round, providing the animals in question were lawfully killed during the open season.
Late night refreshment (night cafés)
Any business selling hot food or drinks between 11pm and 5am must be licensed to do so under the Licensing Act 2003.
Street café licence
If you wish to provide tables, chairs or other amenities, or display and sell goods on a public highway, you will need to hold either a tables and chairs (amenities) licences or a temporary shop front licences.