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Events and mobile catering

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.

Food safety

If you need get a Food Hygiene Rating urgently

Event organisers may tell you that your business has to have a Food Hygiene Rating, to trade at their event.

Before you apply

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

Activities that you need a licence for

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.

Support with organising an outdoor event

Consult our guides, for comprehensive advice, to help you to:

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.