How to set up a food business
The premises or vehicle
Planning permission is required for most food business run from fixed premises. You will need to check if any planning permission is needed or whether the premises concerned already has the correct permission.
If the premises you want to run your food business from is rented, you must check that your tenancy agreement allows you to run a food business. This can include your home if you are a home baker.
Licensing requirements may also be needed if you intend to serve alcohol or open for late night refreshments.
If you have a mobile vehicle you must make yourself familiar with the street trading byelaws adopted by the local authority where you are or will be selling food.
Each local authority has its own byelaws, and they are all different. You need to apply separately to each local authority where you sell food.
Private events where the public do not have access or access is restricted by payment are usually exempt from the byelaws.
More information
Other detailed advice can be found on the Food Standards Agency and Government websites: