If you supply food or drink from a mobile premises, such as a stall or van, or cater at temporary events, you will need to take account of food hygiene and safety regulations and guidance, and may also need special licensing.
Select a topic below to find out what you'll need to do.
Visit the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website for detailed guidance:
Event organisers may tell you that your business has to have a Food Hygiene Rating, to trade at their event.
Before you apply
- You will need to be a registered food business, with B&NES as your local authority.
- Make sure you have clear and up-to-date food safety documentation.
- Be prepared to show our inspector your food preparation practices.
Apply for a fast-track Food Hygiene Rating visit
The fee for a fast-track Food Hygiene inspector visit and rating is £194 (The service is exempt from VAT).
Apply online for a fast-track Food Hygiene Rating visit
Our visit
When we have received your application, an officer from the food team will contact you to arrange a visit. We'll need to view your business at its storage premises, see your food preparation practices, and check your food safety documentation. Following the visit, we will give you a report, stating the following:
- Your current Food Hygiene Rating
- Any issues you should address
Visit our licensing pages, to find out how to apply for the necessary permission, if your business is doing any of the following:
- Selling alcohol by retail
- Providing late night refreshments, hot food or drinks between the hours of 11pm and 5am (either permanently or temporarily basis).
- Operating on a public street as a street trader
- Providing regulated entertainment
- Placing tables and chairs on the public highway
For some activities, you will need more than one type of permission. If in doubt, check if you'll need a licence.
Consult our guides, for comprehensive advice, to help you to:
- Find all the resources you need quickly, if you're an experienced event organiser
- Plan and organise successful larger scale outdoor events
- Ensure there is proper health and safety management at a major event
- Hold a community street party or fete
If you are considering holding an event on council land, such as in one of our public parks or recreation grounds, please contact our Outdoor Events team, to find out what is on offer, and how they can help.