To sell food at a licensed premises in England, you must comply with several legal requirements and regulations. The process involves notifying the local council, ensuring your premises meets food safety standards, and possibly applying for additional licenses depending on the nature of your food service. Licensing Professionals have prepared this step-by-step guide on how to apply to the council to sell food at a licensed premises:
1. Register Your Food Business
Mandatory Registration: All businesses that prepare, cook, store, handle, distribute, supply, or sell food in England must register with their local council at least 28 days before starting operations. This registration is free and cannot be refused.
How to Register: Visit your local council’s website or use the UK government’s online portal to register your food business. You’ll need to provide details about your business, including the type of food you’ll be selling, your premises address, and your business structure (e.g., sole trader, partnership).
No Need for Renewal: Once registered, there’s no need to renew the registration, but you must inform the council if there are significant changes, such as a change in ownership or the type of food you sell.
2. Comply with Food Safety Regulations
Food Safety Management System: Implement a food safety management system based on the principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP). This involves identifying potential hazards, setting up controls, and keeping records to ensure food safety.
Food Hygiene Training: Ensure that all staff involved in food preparation and handling have appropriate food hygiene training. This training should cover topics such as food storage, preparation, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Hygiene Rating: After registration, your premises will be inspected by the local authority to assess your compliance with food hygiene standards. You’ll receive a food hygiene rating from 0 to 5, which must be displayed on your premises.
3. Check Your Premises License
Licensable Activities: Review your existing premises license to ensure that it covers the sale of food. If your license is primarily for alcohol sales, you may need to check if it also permits late-night refreshment (i.e., selling hot food or drink between 11 PM and 5 AM).
Variation of Premises License: If your current premises license does not cover food sales or late-night refreshment, you may need to apply for a variation. This process involves submitting an application to your local council, detailing the changes you want to make to your license.
4. Apply for Planning Permission (if needed)
Change of Use: If you plan to make significant changes to your premises, such as installing a commercial kitchen, you may need to apply for planning permission. This is particularly relevant if the building’s use is changing (e.g., from a bar to a restaurant).
Consult Local Council: Contact your local planning authority to check if planning permission is required. If it is, you’ll need to submit a planning application, including detailed plans and specifications.
5. Health and Safety Compliance
Health and Safety at Work: Ensure your premises complies with health and safety regulations, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This includes risk assessments, providing safe working conditions, and ensuring staff are trained in health and safety practices.
Fire Safety: Conduct a fire risk assessment and ensure your premises meets fire safety standards, especially in areas where food is prepared and cooked.
6. Apply for Additional Licenses (if needed)
Street Trading License: If you plan to sell food from a stall or food truck outside your premises, you may need a street trading license from your local council.
Alcohol Sales with Food: If you plan to sell alcohol alongside food, ensure that your premises license covers the sale of alcohol during the times food is served.
7. Consult with Local Authorities
Environmental Health Department: Engage with your local council’s environmental health department to ensure you meet all food safety and hygiene standards. They can offer guidance on best practices and ensure your premises are ready for inspection.
Trading Standards: Contact your local trading standards office to ensure compliance with food labeling and pricing regulations, especially if selling pre-packaged food.
8. Public Liability Insurance
Insurance Coverage: Obtain public liability insurance that covers food-related activities. This protects you against claims if someone becomes ill or is injured as a result of consuming food from your premises.
9. Promote Your Food Business
Marketing and Signage: Once everything is in place, ensure you have proper signage and marketing materials to inform customers about the food services you offer.
Online Presence: Update your website and social media platforms to include details about your food offerings and food hygiene rating.
Step-by-step guide on how to apply to the council to sell food at a licensed premises- A Summary
To sell food at a licensed premises in England, you must register your food business with the local council, ensure compliance with food safety regulations, and possibly apply for additional licenses or permissions. Proper preparation and compliance with all relevant regulations will help ensure that your food business operates smoothly and legally.
Licensing Professionals provide expert advice and training to ensure that you comply with all legislation as detailed within the Licensing Act 2003. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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