Register your food business

You are required by law to register your food business 28 days before you open.

This applies to most types of food business, including: 

• cafés and restaurants
• catering businesses run from home
• mobile or temporary premises such as stalls and vans
• catering businesses operating in village halls or conference centres

If you use 2 or more premises, you will need to register all of them.

It’s free to register.

Register your food business on GOV.UK

If you use premises in more than one local authority you must register with each authority separately.

Exemptions

The majority of premises have to be registered. However, certain premises are exempt from registration, for example:

• those that are already registered for food law purposes
• certain agricultural premises
• motor cars
• tents 
• marquees (but not stalls)
• some domestic premises 
• some village halls

Contact us by emailing envhealth@elmbridge.gov.uk if you think you might be exempt.

Childminding businesses

If you are setting up a childminding business and you will be providing food as part of your service, please visit Food Standards Agency: guidance for childminders.