Food Business/Premises Registration

How we provide this service

Registration of a Food Business/Food Premises is supported by Community & Neighbourhood Services, Food Safety & Licensing.

What is registration?

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.

However, please note that if your business deals with products of animal origin, you will require approval instead - see Food Premises - Approval for more details.

What to do to get this service

You can register with us by downloading the Application form for Registration of Food Premises (PDF) or obtain a paper copy from us here at South Holland District Council. Registration cannot be refused and there is no charge. The registration form must be returned to us. If you use premises in more than one local authority area, you must register with each authority separately. If it is a mobile premises, then you must register with the authority in which it is based. If the form is sent to the wrong address your application will not take effect until it is received at the proper place.

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

Seasonal businesses operating for a certain period each year should give the dates between which they will be open. If you have any questions please contact us and we will be happy to help you.

It is an offence to give information which you know is false.

We will enter the details on our register. A register of addresses and the type of business carried on at each will be open to inspection by the general public. Records of the other information provided will not be publicly available.

Once you have registered with us you only need notify us 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.

Who can apply?

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

Registration cannot be refused.

How much will it cost?

There is no charge for registration.

Links to forms, leaflets and websites providing more information

Further information on food safety and operating a food business can be found by clicking on the links listed below:

DTI Business Link website
Safer food, better business

Please note: This link is provided for your information only. South Holland District Council can not be held responsible for the content of external websites.

Common Questions

Q. I am considering setting up a mobile burger bar to trade in various locations. Do I need permission?

A. You need to register with us as a food business. Mobile trading can be complicated and you should speak to someone in the Food Team.

Q. Who needs to register?

A. Anyone running a food business, unless they require approval. Please contact us to discuss, or see Food Premises - Approval.

If you use vehicles for your food business in connection with permanent premises such as a shop, or warehouse you only need to tell us 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.

Q. What happens to the information given on the form?

A. We will enter the details on our register. A register of addresses and the type of business carried on at each will be open to inspection by the general public. Records of the other information provided will not be publicly available.

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Contact Details

If you have any queries about the information provided above, or require further information, please contact Customer Services on 01775 761161 or email info@sholland.gov.uk.

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