Registering a Food Premises

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

What is Registration?

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

Who Needs to Register?

If you operate a food business you must ensure the local authority is informed 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 within at least 28 days of starting.

Almost all food businesses will have to be registered. However, certain premises are exempt e.g. ones 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. 

How do I Register?

Registration cannot be refused and there is no charge. The registration form must be sent to your local authority. The address can be found in the telephone directory. If the form is sent to the wrong address, your application will not take effect until it is received at the proper place. If you use premises in more than one local authority area, you must register with each local authority separately.

A copy of the Food Registration form can be found below.

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 are open (question 9). If you have any questions, your local authority will help you. It is an offence to give information which you know is false.

What Happens To The Information Given On This Form?

The local authority will enter details on its register. A register of addresses and the type of business carried on will be open to inspection by the public. Other information provided will not be open to public inspection.

Changes

Once you have registered with the local authority, you need only notify them if there is a change of proprietor, if the nature of the business changes, or if there is a change of address at which a moveable premises is kept. The new proprietor will have to complete a registration form.

If the local authority wishes to change the entry in the Register because of information received from someone else, you will be given 28 days notice and an opportunity to comment on the proposed change.

For further information please telephone: 01432 261761 or

Email: ethelpline@herefordshire.gov.uk

Last Updated: 28 February 07,
Review Date: 20 September 2005