Registering your food business

Registration of a food business is required by law. It is an offence not to register a food premises and failure to do so may lead to a fine.   

There is no charge and you cannot be refused registration. The registration is one–off and does not need renewal unless there are any changes to the business, such as change of ownership or address.

Registration allows us to keep an up to date list of all food premises in our area on our database. Your business will then be added to our food hygiene inspection programme.

Who needs to register?

Anyone starting a new food business must register with us at least 28 days before opening. If you use 2 or more premises, you will need to register all of them.

If food premise is used by several catering businesses - for example, a village hall of conference centre, the person who allows the premise to be used for this purpose is responsible for registering them.  

You are advised to contact the Environmental Health Team to discuss your plans for your food business before you open.

Most types of food business need to register including:

• Restuarants

• Canteens

• Cafes

• Shops

• Caterers

• Burger vans

• Market stalls and other mobile premises

However, if you intend to start up a business - food business establishment - which handles food of animal origin and you supply/sell to another business - another establishment, you may need to be approved rather than be registered. Please click on the 'Approval of food business' link, for more information on how to apply. 

How do I register my food business?

You can contact the Environmental Health Team for a registration form, or download the Food Premises Registration Form on the link below. Guidance notes are attached to the form and can be returned to this department on the address shown. If you have any queries about food registration, please contact the Environmental Health Team.

Further information can also be found at the Food Standards Agency website.