Register a food business
How and when to register a food business. Which businesses need to register. Changes to tell us about.
Most new food businesses must register at least 28 days before opening.
Registering your business is free and simple. You do not need to register if your business needs approval instead. In most cases, we need to approve your food business if it makes, prepares or handles food of animal origin for supply to other businesses.
You must also apply for a premises licence if you want to sell alcohol or sell hot food after 11pm.
Businesses that need to register
You need to register your business if you store, sell, distribute or prepare food and you are one of the following:
- restaurant
- hotel
- cafe
- shop
- supermarket
- staff canteen
- kitchen in an office
- warehouse
- guest house
- home caterer, including childminder
- delivery vehicle
- buffet cars on a train
- market stall
- other food stall, for example, hot dog or ice cream van
You must inform us about any business vehicles used at permanent premises like shops or warehouses. You do not have to register each vehicle separately.
If you have one or more vehicles but no permanent premises, you must tell us where they're normally kept.
Email us at food@southwark.gov.uk if you think you don't need to register.
Register your business
Register your food business online.
You can also download the application form (PDF, 55KB).
If you have premises in more than one council area you must register with each council separately.
Read guidance on the type of food activity (PDF, 15KB) before applying.
We will not refuse any registration but you must complete the form correctly. It's illegal to give information you know is false.
The name and address of your business and the type of business will be included in a register open to the public.
Visits to your business
We’ll contact you to visit your food business after you’ve submitted the registration form.
Changes to your business
Once your business is registered, tell us if:
- there is a change of owner
- the type of business changes
- there's a change of address if you have a moveable business, for example, a food stall or van
The new owner will have to complete an application form.