LICENSING REQUIREMENTS TRACKER

Your Compliance Roadmap by City

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Select your operating city/region
  • Complete all items with target dates
  • Check off as you complete each requirement
  • Keep copies of all certificates and registrations
  • Set calendar reminders for renewals

Companion to: Kitchen Decision Pack Chapter 3 (Licensing & Compliance)

YOUR BUSINESS INFORMATION

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SECTION 1: BUSINESS REGISTRATION (UK-WIDE)

RequirementTarget DateComplete DateRef/Cert #
Register business with HMRCUTR: ______
Register for Self Assessment (if sole trader)UTR: ______
Register for Corporation Tax (if limited)CT Ref: ____
Register for VAT (if turnover >£90K)VAT #: _____
Open business bank accountBank: _____

Resources:

  • • HMRC website: www.gov.uk/set-up-business
  • • Companies House (if limited): www.gov.uk/government/organisations/companies-house

SECTION 2: FOOD BUSINESS REGISTRATION

Universal Requirements (All UK Cities)

RequirementTarget DateComplete DateRef #
Register food business 28 days before operatingRef: ______
Submit to local council Environmental HealthCouncil: ___
Confirm business address (kitchen location)Address: ___
Describe food activities (prep, cook, store, sell)

Food Business Registration:

  • • England/Wales: www.gov.uk/food-business-registration
  • • Scotland: www.foodstandards.gov.scot
  • • Northern Ireland: www.food.gov.uk/northern-ireland
  • Cost: FREE (no charge for registration)

SECTION 3: FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATION

RequirementTarget DateComplete DateCert #
Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (you/owner)Cert #: ____
Level 2 Food Hygiene for staff (if hiring)Staff: _____
Download Safer Food Better Business (SFBB) packType: ______
Complete SFBB HACCP plan
Set up temperature monitoring logs
Set up cleaning schedules

Training Providers:

  • • Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH): £60-100
  • • Highfield: £60-120
  • • Online courses (cheaper): £30-50

SFBB Packs (FREE):

www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/safer-food-better-business

SECTION 4: INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Insurance TypeCoverageProviderCost/YearRenewal Date
Public Liability (£5M minimum)£___ M________£______________
Employer's Liability (if hiring staff)£___ M________£______________
Product Liability (optional but recommended)£___ M________£______________
Commercial Property (if equipment >£5K)£___ K________£______________

Estimated Costs:

  • • Public Liability: £150-400/year
  • • Employer's Liability: £100-200/year
  • • Product Liability: £100-300/year
  • • Property Insurance: £200-500/year

Providers to Compare:

  • • Simply Business (food specialists)
  • • Hiscox
  • • AXA
  • • Markel

SECTION 5: CITY-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

London-Specific (All Boroughs)

RequirementNotes
Verify borough-specific application processBorough: __________
ULEZ compliance (if using delivery vehicle)Vehicle: __________
Congestion Charge consideration (Central London)Cost: £15/day
Late-night refreshment license (if 11pm-5am)Cost: £________

Key London Boroughs Contact:

  • • Westminster: foodsafety@westminster.gov.uk
  • • Hackney: foodsafety@hackney.gov.uk
  • • Tower Hamlets: environmental.health@towerhamlets.gov.uk
  • • Southwark: food@southwark.gov.uk
  • • Croydon: food.safety@croydon.gov.uk

Birmingham-Specific

RequirementNotes
Register with Birmingham City Council Food Safety TeamRef: __________
Street trading license (if selling at markets)Cost: £________

Contact: food.safety@birmingham.gov.uk

Manchester-Specific

RequirementNotes
Register with Manchester City CouncilRef: __________
Check Clean Air Zone requirementsVehicle: ______

Contact: foodhealthandsafety@manchester.gov.uk

RENEWAL CALENDAR

Set reminders for these critical renewal dates (30 days before expiry):

Insurance Renewals:_________________
Food Hygiene Certificate (expires after 3 years):_________________
HMRC Self Assessment Deadline (Jan 31):_________________
VAT Returns (if registered):_________________

Kitchen Decision Pack | Licensing Requirements Tracker | Keep all certificates in a secure folder