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All food businesses must register with Birmingham City Council - it's free. Register at least 28 days before you start. You don't need to wait for your inspection to start trading. Street trading (public land) requires a separate licence.
How to Register Your Food Business
Register as a Food Business
Free registration with Birmingham City Council
Complete online form on Birmingham.gov.uk or download paper form
More infoFood Hygiene Training
Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate minimum
Available online (£15-25) or in-person courses in Birmingham
Premises Inspection
Environmental Health Officer visits to assess your premises
Prepare for inspection - check FHRS requirements
Receive Food Hygiene Rating
Rating from 0-5 displayed publicly
Aim for 4 or 5 - you can request reinspection if you improve
More infoLicences You May Need
| Licence Type | Cost | Who Needs It | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Business Registration | Free | All food businesses | Ongoing (no renewal needed) |
| Street Trading Licence | £150-500/year (varies by location) | Food trucks, mobile vendors, market stalls on public land | Annual renewal |
| Late Night Refreshment Licence | £100-1905 (based on rateable value) | Selling hot food/drinks between 11pm-5am | Ongoing with annual fee |
| Pavement Licence (Tables & Chairs) | £100/year | Outdoor seating on public pavement | Annual |
Street Trading in Birmingham
| Area | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City Centre | Consent streets (licence required) | High fees, competitive pitches |
| Broad Street | Consent streets | Night-time economy focus |
| Digbeth | Mixed consent/prohibited | Growing food scene, check specific streets |
| Moseley/Kings Heath | Mostly consent streets | Popular for markets and pop-ups |
| Harborne | Consent streets | Suburban high street opportunities |
Check before you trade. Some streets in Birmingham are “prohibited” for street trading - no licences will be issued. Always check the Birmingham Street Trading Policy or contact Licensing before planning your pitch location.
Preparing for Your Inspection
Key Birmingham Contacts
Environmental Health (Food Safety)
Phone: 0121 303 6007
Email: environmental.health@birmingham.gov.uk
For: Food business registration, hygiene ratings, inspections
Licensing
Phone: 0121 303 9900
Email: licensing@birmingham.gov.uk
For: Street trading, late night refreshment, premises licences
Trading Standards
Phone: 0121 303 6031
Email: trading.standards@birmingham.gov.uk
For: Food labelling, weights & measures, allergen compliance
Written by
James Mitchell
Ghost Kitchen Operations Director & Industry Expert
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register a food business in Birmingham?
Register online at birmingham.gov.uk/foodbusiness at least 28 days before you start trading. Registration is free. You'll need to provide: business name, address of food premises, type of food business, and operator details. After registration, Environmental Health will contact you about an inspection. You don't need to wait for inspection to start trading after the 28 days.
How much does a Birmingham street trading licence cost?
Birmingham street trading licence costs vary by location and duration: City centre pitches can be £300-500+/year, suburban areas typically £150-300/year. Application fee plus ongoing fees apply. Some locations are prohibited (no trading allowed). Check the Birmingham Street Trading Policy for consent street maps and current fees. Apply through Birmingham Licensing.
How long does food business registration take in Birmingham?
You must register at least 28 days before starting to trade. Registration itself is processed quickly (usually within a few days). First inspection typically happens within 28 days of registration, but you can legally trade after your registration date even if inspection hasn't happened yet. The food hygiene rating is awarded after inspection.
Do I need a licence to sell food from home in Birmingham?
You need to register your home as a food business (free), but you don't need a licence to sell from home. However: Your home kitchen may not meet commercial standards for inspection, you should inform your landlord/mortgage lender, your home insurance may be affected, and you should check planning rules if customers visit. Many home food businesses use commercial kitchens for production instead.
How do I get a 5-star food hygiene rating in Birmingham?
To achieve a 5-star rating in Birmingham, ensure: Full compliance with food hygiene law, documented food safety management system (HACCP), excellent structural condition and cleanliness, good confidence in management/control procedures. Birmingham Environmental Health uses the national FHRS scoring system. If you score 4 or below, you can request a free re-rating visit after making improvements (usually 3 months later).
Can I sell food at Birmingham markets without a licence?
It depends on the market. For council-run markets and public land, you typically need a street trading consent from Birmingham Licensing. For private markets (on private land), the market organiser holds the permission and you trade under their licence. Always check: Do you need individual street trading consent? Does the market require specific insurance levels? Have you registered as a food business? The market organiser should clarify requirements.
What are Birmingham's food truck rules?
Food trucks in Birmingham need: Food business registration (free, 28 days notice), street trading consent for public land locations (£150-500+/year depending on pitch), public liability insurance (usually £5M minimum), appropriate vehicle certification. Some areas are prohibited for street trading. Food trucks operating only on private land (business parks, events, private car parks) may not need street trading consent but still need food business registration.
How do I contact Birmingham Environmental Health?
Birmingham Environmental Health (Food Safety): Phone 0121 303 6007, email environmental.health@birmingham.gov.uk. For street trading and licensing: Phone 0121 303 9900, email licensing@birmingham.gov.uk. Council offices: Council House, Victoria Square, Birmingham B1 1BB. Office hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Online registration and forms available 24/7 on birmingham.gov.uk.