Licence - food business

Registration of premises used for a food business (including market stalls, delivery vehicles and other moveable structures) is required by law.

Registration will allow 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.

Apply online

The following forms can be submitted online using the Government's Business Link website:

• Registration of a food business establishment 
• Application to change a food premises registration 
• Application for food premises approval 

or

Download a registration form You will need to fill in the form and return it to us at:

Environmental Health

Hertsmere Borough Council

Civic Offices

Elstree Way

Borehamwood

Herts

WD6 1WA 

Who needs to register?

If you run a food business for 5 or more days in any 5 consecutive weeks, you must tell (or arrange for someone else to tell) the local authority about any premises you use for storing, selling, distributing or preparing food. Food premises includes restaurants, hotels, cafes, shops, supermarkets, staff canteens, kitchens in offices, warehouses, guest houses, delivery vehicles, buffet cars on trains, market and other stalls, hot dog and ice cream vans, etc.

If you use vehicles for your food business in connection with permanent premises such as a shop, or warehouse, you only need to tell the local authority how many vehicles you have. You do not need to register each vehicle separately. If you have one or more vehicles but no permanent premises, you must tell the authority where they are normally kept.

Anyone starting a new food business must register with the local authority at least 28 days before doing so. Food Registration Form 

The majority of premises have to be registered. However, certain premises are exempt from registration, e.g., some which are already registered for food law purposes, certain agricultural premises, motor cars, tents and marquees (but not stalls), some domestic premises and some village halls. You should contact your local authority if you think you might be exempt.

What does it cost?

There is no charge for registration

What information/evidence will I need to provide?

You are only required to provide the completed application form.

How long does the registration last, and what's the renewal procedure?

You are not required to renew the registration.

What happens next?

On receipt of a completed application a full food hygiene inspection will be carried out in due course at the premises to ensure that the standards maintained are satisfactory and comply with food hygiene legislation.  Your registation cannot be refused but we do not acknowlege receipt.  You will normally be contacted within 4 weeks, if you have not heard anything please contact us to ensure that the registration has been received.

What happens to the information given on the form?

The local authority will enter the details on its Register. A register of addresses and the type of business carried on at these will be open to inspection by the general public. Records of the other information provided will not be publicly available and will not be disclosed outside of the Council, Local Government Departments and Government Agencies. The details will by used for the purpose of registration, enforcement and the protection of public funds.

What about changes?

Once you have registered with the local authority, you only need to notify them of a change of proprietor, if the nature of the business changes, or if there is a change of the address at which moveable premises are kept. The new proprietor will have to complete an application form.If the local authority wishes to change the entry in the Register because of information which it receives from someone else, you will be given 28 days notice and an opportunity to comment on the proposed change.

Please tell us of any changes using the online form or by contacting us at the address above.

Where can I go for further information?

• A summary of the regulation relating to this registration
• Chilled Food Association
• National Federation of Meat and Food Traders

Do I require any form of licence?

You will need to register your with Environmental Health using the information above. If you sell hot food and drink between 11pm and 5am you will also require a Premise Licence under the Licensing Act 2003 for late night refreshment. For more information on the Licensing Act 2003.