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All food businesses must register with Liverpool City Council - it's free. Register at least 28 days before you start. Dark kitchens require full planning permission (Sui Generis classification). Liverpool enforces 400m buffer zones from schools and parks for takeaways.
How to Register Your Food Business
Register as a Food Business
Free registration with Liverpool City Council via the FSA portal
Complete the online form on liverpool.gov.uk or register directly through the FSA
More infoFood Hygiene Training
Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate minimum for all food handlers
Online courses available (£15-25) or in-person training in Liverpool
Premises Inspection
Environmental Health Officer visits to assess your premises and food safety systems
Be prepared for unannounced visit - keep standards consistent from day one
Receive Food Hygiene Rating
FHRS rating from 0-5 stars displayed publicly on ratings.food.gov.uk
Aim for 5 stars - request reinspection if you improve (fee applies)
More infoLicences You May Need
| Licence Type | Cost | Who Needs It | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Business Registration | Free | All food businesses | Ongoing (update if changes) |
| Street Trading Licence | £200-700/year (varies by location) | Food trucks, mobile vendors on public streets | Annual renewal |
| Late Night Refreshment Licence | £100-1905 (based on rateable value) | Selling hot food/drinks between 11pm-5am | Ongoing with annual fee |
| Planning Permission (Change of Use) | £462+ (full planning application) | Dark kitchens, new takeaway premises | Permanent if granted |
400-Metre Buffer Zones
Critical Planning Restriction
Liverpool enforces 400-metre buffer zones from secondary schools and parks for new hot food takeaways and dark kitchens. This policy is based on childhood obesity prevention and is increasingly enforced. Check the council's planning map before signing any lease.
| Restricted Near | Buffer Distance | Policy Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary schools | 400 metres | Childhood obesity prevention policy |
| Parks and green spaces | 400 metres | Public health supplementary planning document |
Sui Generis Planning for Dark Kitchens
Liverpool City Council classifies dark kitchens (delivery-only kitchens) as Sui Generis use. This means they fall outside standard use classes and cannot benefit from Permitted Development rights.
Noise & Odor Requirements
Noise and odor are the primary cause of planning refusal in Liverpool. A mandatory M&E (Mechanical & Electrical) Report is required for premises in residential-adjacent postcodes. Getting your extraction and ventilation right from the start is essential.
| Postcode | Area | Risk Level | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| L1 | City Centre | High | Dense residential above commercial - M&E report mandatory |
| L5 | Kirkdale / Vauxhall | High | Mixed residential/commercial - extraction assessment required |
| L15 | Wavertree | High | Predominantly residential - strict odor control enforced |
Typical Requirements
Transport Statements & Rider Management
Liverpool planning applications for dark kitchens and delivery-focused food businesses increasingly require Transport Statements. The council wants to see that rider activity won't cause nuisance to neighbours or traffic problems.
Conservation Area Restrictions
City Centre Conservation Areas
High-end carbon filtration or ozone systems may be required. Extraction flue routing to roof level. Visual impact assessment for external plant.
Commercial District / Waterfront
Heritage considerations for extraction systems. Flue routing must avoid visible frontages. Additional planning conditions likely.
Tip: In conservation areas, consider engaging a planning consultant early. Pre-application advice from Liverpool City Council (fee applies) can save significant time and cost by identifying issues before you submit a full application.
Preparing for Your Inspection
Inspections can be unannounced. Maintain standards consistently, not just before expected visits. Environmental Health Officers can visit any time during your operating hours.
Key Liverpool Contacts
Environmental Health
Phone: 0151 233 3000
Email: environmental.health@liverpool.gov.uk
Address: Public Protection, Cunard Building, Water Street, Liverpool, L3 1AH
For: Food business registration, hygiene ratings, inspections, noise complaints
Planning & Building Control
Website: liverpool.gov.uk/planning
For: Change of Use applications, dark kitchen planning, pre-application advice, conservation area guidance
Written by
James Mitchell
Ghost Kitchen Operations Director & Industry Expert
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register a food business in Liverpool?
Register online at liverpool.gov.uk or through the FSA portal at least 28 days before you start trading. Registration is free. You'll need your business details, premises address, description of food activities, and food safety contact. After registration, expect an unannounced inspection visit from Environmental Health. You can legally start trading after the 28-day registration period.
Do I need planning permission for a dark kitchen in Liverpool?
Yes. Liverpool City Council classifies dark kitchens (delivery-only kitchens) as Sui Generis use. This means you cannot use Permitted Development rights - a full Change of Use planning application is required. The application costs £462+ and must include a Transport Statement, noise impact assessment, and odor management plan. Expect the process to take 8-13 weeks.
What are Liverpool's 400-metre buffer zones for takeaways?
Liverpool enforces 400-metre buffer zones from secondary schools and parks for new hot food takeaways and dark kitchens. This policy is based on childhood obesity prevention measures. If your proposed premises falls within 400 metres of a secondary school or park, planning permission for a takeaway or dark kitchen is very likely to be refused. Check the council's interactive planning map before signing a lease.
What noise and odor requirements apply in Liverpool?
For premises in residential-adjacent postcodes (L1, L5, L15), a mandatory M&E (Mechanical & Electrical) Report is required with your planning application. You'll need carbon filtration on extraction flues and silencers on ventilation equipment. Noise and odor complaints are the primary cause of planning refusal for food businesses in Liverpool. Getting this right from the start is essential.
Are there extra restrictions in Liverpool conservation areas?
Yes. In L1 and L3 conservation areas, food businesses face additional requirements: high-end carbon filtration or ozone odor neutralisation systems, extraction flue routing to roof level (not through visible frontages), and visual impact assessments for external plant and equipment. Expect stricter planning conditions and longer approval times.
How much does it cost to set up a food business in Liverpool?
Food business registration is free. Additional costs vary: Level 2 Food Hygiene training £15-25, street trading licence £200-700/year, late night refreshment licence £100-1905, planning application £462+. For dark kitchens, budget £5,000-15,000+ for extraction and ventilation systems meeting Liverpool's noise and odor requirements. Commercial kitchen rent in Liverpool typically runs £800-3,000/month depending on size and area.
Do I need a Transport Statement for a dark kitchen in Liverpool?
Increasingly, yes. Liverpool planning applications for dark kitchens and delivery-focused food businesses now require Transport Statements covering rider waiting areas, moped and bicycle parking provision, and on-site facilities for delivery riders. The council favours electric bikes in the city centre. A well-prepared Transport Statement addressing rider management significantly improves approval chances.
What are the best areas in Liverpool for a commercial kitchen?
The Baltic Triangle (L1) and areas around the docks offer good commercial kitchen opportunities with existing food business clusters. Edge Lane (L7) and parts of Wavertree (L15) have more affordable industrial units. Avoid locations within 400m of secondary schools or parks if you plan a takeaway or dark kitchen. The L3 waterfront area has strong footfall but conservation area restrictions. Check liverpool.gov.uk planning maps before committing to a location.