Register a food business
Apply to register as a food premises.
Why you need to register
You're required by law to register your business with the local authority it's based in. You must register with the Environmental Health Service at least 28 days before opening - registration is free.
Registration applies to most types of food businesses including restaurants, cafes, hotels, shops, canteens, market stalls, mobile catering vans and food delivery vans.
If you've more than 1 premise, you're required by law to register all of them, or if the person in charge changes.
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're uncertain whether your business needs to be approved or registered, contact the Environmental Health team.
How to register a food business
There are 2 ways you can register a food business:
You can also request a form by phone or email.
Your application will require you to provide information including:
- Detailed plan of the premises
- Your arrangements for waste collection and disposal
- Water supply testing
- Product testing
- Pest control
- Staff training
- Record keeping
- Any proposed changes to your business
Apply to change a food premises registration
Apply online via the GOV.UK website to change a food premises registration (opens new window).
Fee
There's no cost to register a food business establishment or to change your existing circumstances.
What happens next?
It's in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you've not heard from the local authority within 28 days, you may assume your application has been approved or granted.
