How to register as a food business with your local council

Get registered before you trade

You must register your business with your local council at least 28 days before you start trading. This applies to any business that stores, prepares, distributes, or sells food. It’s a legal requirement, it’s free of charge, and it’s usually a straightforward online form. Getting this done ensures you are operating legally and puts you on the radar of the environmental health team who are there to provide guidance and ensure public safety.

Why is registration so important?

Registering your food business is not just a box-ticking exercise. It informs the local authority about your existence and the nature of your food operations. This allows the Environmental Health department to:

• Plan inspections: An Environmental Health Officer (EHO) will visit your premises to check that you are following food safety laws.
• Offer advice: They can provide guidance on food hygiene and safety standards.
• Protect the public: It’s a key part of ensuring that all food sold to the public is safe to eat.

Operating without being registered is illegal and can lead to significant penalties.

Who needs to register?

The rules apply to almost everyone who sells food, not just traditional cafés and restaurants. You must register if you run:

• A restaurant, café, or takeaway
• A home-based business selling cakes, jams, or other food items (even online)
• A market stall
• A mobile food van or catering trailer
• A B&B or guest house that serves food

Even if you only sell pre-packaged sweets or drinks, you still need to register.

How to complete your registration

Follow these simple steps to get your business registered:

1. Find your local council: The registration is handled by the council where your premises are physically located. If you’re unsure, you can easily find your local council on the GOV.UK website.
2. Locate the form: Once on your council’s website, search for "register a food business". Most councils now have a simple online form you can complete in about 15-20 minutes.
3. Fill in the details: You’ll be asked for basic information, including your business name and address, the name of the business owner, the type of food you’ll be making or selling, and your planned opening date.
4. Submit and save: Submit the form and be sure to save a copy or the confirmation email for your records. There is no fee for registration.

Top Tip: If you operate from more than one location, for example, a prep kitchen and a separate market stall, you need to register each premises with the relevant local council.

What happens next?

Once you have submitted your form, you can legally start trading 28 days later, even if you haven’t heard back from the council. An Environmental Health Officer will likely make an unannounced visit for an inspection after you open. This first inspection is what will determine your all-important Food Hygiene Rating, so it’s vital to have your food safety procedures in place from day one.