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Glasgow is in Scotland — different rules to England. Register with Glasgow City Council at least 28 days before opening (free). Scotland uses Food Standards Scotland (FSS), not the FSA. Hygiene is assessed on a Pass/Fail basis (FHIS), not the 0-5 star FHRS system used in England.
How to Register Your Food Business
Register as a Food Business
Free registration with Glasgow City Council Environmental Health
Complete online form on glasgow.gov.uk
More infoFood Hygiene Training
Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate minimum (Scottish-accredited)
Online courses available (£15-25) or in-person training in Glasgow
Premises Inspection
Environmental Health Officer visits to assess your premises — inspections are unannounced
Maintain standards consistently. Scotland uses risk-based inspection frequency
Receive FHIS Result
Scotland uses Pass/Fail (FHIS), not the 0-5 star FHRS used in England
Aim for "Pass" — businesses exceeding standards can earn FSS "Eat Safe" award
More infoFHIS: Scotland's Hygiene System
Scotland (FHIS)
- Pass / Fail — binary result, no star ratings
- Regulated by Food Standards Scotland (FSS)
- "Eat Safe" award for businesses exceeding legal minimums
- Inspections: every 6 months (high risk) to 2-3 years (low risk)
England, Wales & NI (FHRS)
- 0-5 star rating displayed publicly
- Regulated by Food Standards Agency (FSA)
- Can request paid re-inspection to improve rating
- Mandatory display in Wales and NI (voluntary in England)
Delivery platforms require a "Pass" FHIS result. If you fail, you cannot onboard with Deliveroo, Uber Eats, or Just Eat in Scotland until you pass a re-inspection. Aim for "Eat Safe" award status to stand out.
Licences You May Need
| Licence Type | Cost | Who Needs It | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Business Registration | Free | All food businesses | Ongoing (update if changes) |
| Street Trading Licence | Varies by location | Food trucks, mobile vendors on public streets | Annual renewal |
| Late Night Refreshment Licence | Varies (based on rateable value) | Selling hot food/drinks between 11pm-5am | Ongoing with annual fee |
Glasgow Low Emission Zone (LEZ)
Glasgow's LEZ covers the city centre. All vehicles entering the zone must meet minimum emission standards. This directly affects food delivery operations.
Minimum Standards
- Diesel vehicles: Euro 6 or newer
- Petrol vehicles: Euro 4 or newer
- Non-compliant vehicles face penalties
Recommended Alternatives
- Electric mopeds for last-mile delivery
- Cargo bikes (Zedify operates in Glasgow)
- Electric vans for larger loads
Dark Kitchen Planning Permission
Dark kitchens in Glasgow are classified as Sui Generis (Hot Food Takeaway). This means standard Use Class permissions don't apply and specific planning consent is required.
Scottish Lease Law: What You Must Know
Scottish commercial leases operate under different law to England and Wales. These differences can catch operators off guard if they're used to English lease conventions.
Tacit Relocation
If your lease expires and neither party gives formal notice, it automatically renews for 1 year on the same terms. Minimum 40 days notice required to prevent this.
No Security of Tenure
Unlike England's Landlord & Tenant Act 1954, Scottish commercial tenants have no statutory right to renew their lease. The landlord can refuse to renew.
Missives (Not Exchange of Contracts)
Scotland uses Missives rather than "exchange of contracts." Once Missives are concluded, the agreement is immediately legally binding. There is no "subject to contract" stage.
Typical Commercial Terms
5-year leases with break clause at year 3 are standard. Expect 3-6 months deposit. Most leases are Full Repairing and Insuring (FRI).
Business Rates Relief in Glasgow
Small Business Bonus Scheme
| Rateable Value | Relief | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under £12,000 | 100% relief | Many small industrial units and kitchen pods qualify |
| £12,000 - £15,000 | Tapered relief | Decreasing percentage as RV increases |
| Over £15,000 | No SBBS relief | Standard rates apply |
Verify that managed kitchen pods are assessed individually rather than as part of a larger premises to qualify for SBBS.
Best Areas for Food Businesses in Glasgow
| Area | Advantage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tradeston / Kinning Park | City centre access, affordable industrial units | Close to M8, good for delivery radius |
| Hillington Park | Major industrial estate, logistics hub | Strong delivery infrastructure, M8 access |
| Clyde Gateway | Regeneration zone, larger units available | Good for scaling operations |
| North Glasgow | Budget-friendly rents | Lower overheads, emerging food business area |
Logistics Advantage
Glasgow's M8/M74 motorway box provides excellent logistics connectivity across the Central Belt. Operators based here can efficiently serve Edinburgh, Stirling, and the wider central Scotland market.
Preparing for Your FHIS Inspection
All inspections are unannounced. Maintain standards consistently, not just before expected visits. Environmental Health Officers can visit any time during your operating hours. A single "Fail" result blocks delivery platform onboarding until you pass.
Key Glasgow Contacts
Environmental Health (Food Safety)
Phone: 0141 287 1059
Email: foodsafety@glasgow.gov.uk
Address: Eastgate, 727 London Road, Glasgow, G40 3AQ
For: Food business registration, FHIS inspections, food safety advice
Food Standards Scotland (FSS)
For: National food safety regulator for Scotland (not FSA)
Food Law Inspections
For: Inspection schedules, enforcement, food law queries
Home Food Production
For: Home-based food business guidance and registration
Written by
James Mitchell
Ghost Kitchen Operations Director & Industry Expert
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register a food business in Glasgow?
Register online at glasgow.gov.uk at least 28 days before you start trading. Registration is free. Scotland is regulated by Food Standards Scotland (FSS), not the FSA. Inspections are unannounced. You can start trading after 28 days even if your inspection hasn't happened yet.
What is the FHIS hygiene system in Glasgow?
Scotland uses the Food Hygiene Information Scheme (FHIS) — a binary Pass/Fail system, not the 0-5 star FHRS used in England. A "Pass" result is required for delivery platform onboarding. The FSS "Eat Safe" award is available for businesses exceeding legal standards. Inspections range from every 6 months (high risk) to every 2-3 years (low risk).
How does Glasgow's Low Emission Zone affect delivery?
All delivery vehicles entering Glasgow's city centre LEZ must meet Euro 6 Diesel or Euro 4 Petrol minimum standards. The LEZ covers the city centre area. Electric mopeds and cargo bikes are recommended alternatives. Zedify offers cargo bike logistics in Glasgow for last-mile delivery.
What is tacit relocation in Scottish leases?
If your lease expires and neither party gives formal notice, it automatically renews for 1 year on the same terms. A minimum of 40 days notice is required to prevent this. You must diarise notice dates well in advance. There is no "subject to contract" stage in Scotland — Missives are immediately binding once concluded.
Do Scottish tenants have security of tenure?
No. Unlike England's Landlord & Tenant Act 1954, Scottish commercial tenants have no statutory right to renew their lease. The landlord can refuse renewal without reason. Protect yourself by negotiating longer initial lease terms with break clauses built in.
What planning permission do I need for a dark kitchen in Glasgow?
Dark kitchens in Glasgow are classified as Sui Generis (specifically Hot Food Takeaway). A Change of Use planning application is needed for industrial units. Locations near schools face high risk of refusal due to Glasgow's obesity-prevention planning policy. Look for units with existing food or catering use to avoid Change of Use issues.
Can I get business rates relief in Glasgow?
Yes — the Small Business Bonus Scheme offers 100% rates relief for properties with a rateable value under £12,000. Many small industrial units and kitchen pods qualify. Tapered relief is available up to £15,000 rateable value. Verify that managed kitchen pods are assessed individually rather than as part of a larger premises.
What areas are best for a food business in Glasgow?
Tradeston and Kinning Park offer good city centre access with affordable industrial units. Hillington Park is a major logistics hub with strong delivery infrastructure. Clyde Gateway suits businesses looking to scale. North Glasgow offers the most budget-friendly rents. The M8/M74 motorway box provides a logistics advantage for delivery across the Central Belt.