Food Premises Registration
The legal requirement for all UK food businesses to register with their local authority at least 28 days before opening.
Every food business in the UK must register with their local authority at least 28 days before starting to trade. This is a legal requirement under Regulation (EC) 852/2004 and applies to all businesses that handle, prepare, store, or sell food — including restaurants, cafes, pubs, hotels, food stalls, home-based food businesses, and mobile catering. Registration is free and cannot be refused. However, operating without registration is a criminal offence that can result in prosecution and fines. Registration also triggers your first food hygiene inspection by Environmental Health Officers.
Key Points
- Registration is a legal requirement — at least 28 days before starting to trade
- Registration is free and cannot be refused by the local authority
- Each premises requires separate registration
- Registration triggers your first EHO food hygiene inspection
- Taking over an existing business requires new registration
Who Needs to Register
Food premises registration applies to any business or person that operates a food business, regardless of size. This includes: restaurants, cafes, and takeaways, pubs and bars serving food, hotels and B&Bs, food manufacturers and packers, school and hospital kitchens, food vans and mobile caterers, home-based food businesses (selling baked goods, preserves, etc.), market stalls and pop-up food events, childminders who provide meals, and vending machine operators. If you move to a new premises, you must register the new address. Each premises requires separate registration.
How to Register
Registration is done through your local authority (the council where your food business is or will be located). Most councils offer online registration through their website. You will need to provide: the name and address of the business, the name of the food business operator, the nature of the food business (what food you will be handling), and the address of the premises. Registration is free and cannot be refused. You do not need to wait for confirmation before starting to trade, provided you have submitted your registration at least 28 days before opening. Keep a copy of your registration as evidence.
After Registration
Once registered, you will receive a visit from an Environmental Health Officer, typically within 28 days of starting to trade. This first inspection will assess your food safety management system, premises hygiene, and confidence in management. You will be given a Food Hygiene Rating. If you make significant changes to your business (change the type of food you handle, move premises, or stop trading), you must notify your local authority. If you take over an existing food business, you must re-register — the previous owner's registration does not transfer to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register my food business?
Contact your local authority (council) or visit their website to register online. You need to provide your business details, the premises address, and the type of food you will be handling. Registration is free and must be done at least 28 days before you start trading. You do not need to wait for a response before opening, provided you have submitted the registration on time.
Do I need to register a home-based food business?
Yes. If you operate a food business from home — whether selling cakes, preserves, ready meals, or any other food — you must register with your local authority. The same registration requirements apply as for any other food business. Your home kitchen will be subject to inspection and must meet food hygiene standards.
What happens if I do not register my food business?
Operating a food business without registration is a criminal offence. You could face prosecution, fines, and potentially a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice that prevents you from operating. There is no reason not to register — it is free and cannot be refused. Non-registration also means you will not have a food hygiene rating, which can deter customers.
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