Food Premises Registration and Advice

View more information about Food Premises Inspections

Opens in a new windowHow do I register?
You can submit your form online using the Governments Business Link website by clicking on the link below.

• Apply for registration of a food business establishment Opens in a new window
• Tell us about a change to your existing circumstances Opens in a new window

You must tick all the boxes which apply to your business, answer all the questions and give all the information requested.

Registration cannot be refused .

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.

Are there inspections/assessments?
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.

What happens next?

How long does it take to make a decision and issue the licence?

There is no statutory period for determining applications, however we aim to determine applications within 28 days.

If I don't hear from you for 4 weeks, can I assume it's been granted ("tacit consent")?

Yes. You will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from us by the end of this 28 day target completion period.

If I'm turned down, how do I appeal?
Please contact us in the first instance using the details on the right of the page.

How long does the registration last, and what's the renewal procedure?
You are not required to renew the registration.

How do I tell you about changes of circumstance?
Once you have registered with us you only need notify us of a change of food business operator (owner) or if the nature of the business changes. The new food business operator will have to complete an application form.

If we wish to change the entry in the Register because of information received from someone else, we will give you 28 days notice and an opportunity to comment on the proposed change.

Please tell us of any changes using the contact details on the right of the page.

Consumer Complaint
If you have a complaint against a trader, we would advise you first to contact the trader - preferably by letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked and you are in the UK, Consumer Direct Opens in a new window will give you advice. If you outside the UK, contact the UK European Consumer Centre Opens in a new window

Where can I go for further information?

• A summary of the regulation relating to this registration Opens in a new window
• Chilled Food Association Opens in a new window
• National Federation of Meat and Food Traders Opens in a new window

Is there a register?
The local authority will enter the details from the application form on its database.

A register, sourced from our database, of the name of the business (if any), the address, telephone number and the type of business carried on at each will be available to inspection by the general public.

Records of the other information provided will not be publicly available.

These notes are provided for information only and should not be regarded as a complete statement of the law.