Food Hygiene and Food Safety

Register a Food Business - Further Information

Licence summary

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

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 your local authority.

Eligibility Criteria

No provision in legislation

Regulation Summary

A summary of the regulation relating to this licence

Regulation Summary

A summary of the regulation relating to this licence

Application Evaluation Process

No provision in legislation

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 the local authority by the end of the target completion period

Failed Application Redress

Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.

Licence Holder Redress

Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.

Consumer Complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK , Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Other Redress

E.g. about noise, pollution, etc. Also should one licence holder complain about another.

Trade Associations

Chilled Food Association

National Federation of Meat and Food Traders

Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA)

Scottish Food and Drink Federation (SFDF)