Quick Answer
Food business registration in London is free and cannot be refused. Register at least 28 days before opening through your local borough or register.food.gov.uk. You can start trading immediately after registration - no need to wait for inspection. Total compliance costs (training, insurance, waste) typically run £3,500-5,500 in year one.
Registration Timeline
12-16 weeks before
- Research and secure commercial premises
- Check planning permission requirements
- Contact local council environmental health for advice
- Budget for all compliance costs
8-12 weeks before
- Register as self-employed with HMRC (if applicable)
- Arrange business rates registration
- Complete building works and install equipment
- Get insurance quotes
6-8 weeks before
- Staff complete Level 2 Food Hygiene training
- Managers complete Level 3 Food Hygiene
- Complete allergen awareness training
- Develop HACCP plan
28+ days before opening
- Submit food business registration (MANDATORY)
- Register each location separately
- Apply for premises license if selling alcohol
2-4 weeks before
- Arrange waste collection contracts
- Set up commercial water/sewage
- Purchase insurance policies
Opening day
- You can legally trade once registration is submitted
- Inspection typically within 28 days
- Display certificates and allergen info
London Licensing Costs
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Food business registration | Free | Mandatory |
| Level 2 Food Hygiene (per person) | £15-28 | All food handlers |
| Level 3 Food Hygiene (supervisor) | £79-99 | At least 1 required |
| Allergen training | £10-28 or free via FSA | All staff |
| HACCP plan development | Free (DIY) or £500-1,000 | Required |
| Public + Product Liability insurance | £560-700/year | Essential |
| Employers Liability insurance | £400-500/year | If hiring staff |
| Food waste collection | £247-260/year | Mandatory from Mar 2025 |
| General waste collection | £720-960/year | Small cafe |
Total First-Year Compliance Costs
Small food business (no alcohol): £3,500-5,500
With alcohol license: Add £500-2,500
Medium restaurant with staff: £8,000-13,000
Borough-Specific Requirements
While core FSA requirements are the same across London, some boroughs have specific considerations:
Westminster
Stricter licensing in entertainment districts. May require additional CCTV. Higher application volumes = longer processing times.
westminster.gov.uk
Camden
Street traders need Food Hygiene Rating of 3+ and Level 2 certificate. Specific street trading conditions from April 2025.
camden.gov.uk
Tower Hamlets
Market traders register with "home" authority. Trading in Tower Hamlets while registered elsewhere still subject to local audits.
towerhamlets.gov.uk
City of London
Uses separate London Port Health Authority registration. Higher enforcement standards for financial district.
cityoflondon.gov.uk
Hackney, Islington, Brent
Standard FSA registration process. Free registration within 28 days. Similar inspection protocols.
Via Gov.uk portal
Alcohol License Fees (If Applicable)
If selling alcohol, youll need a premises license. Fees are based on your propertys rateable value:
| Band (Rateable Value) | Application Fee | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| A (£0-4,300 rateable value) | £100 | £70 |
| B (£4,301-33,000) | £190 | £180 |
| C (£33,001-87,000) | £315 | £295 |
| D (£87,001-125,000) | £450 | £320 |
| E (£125,001+) | £635 | £350 |
Personal License Required
You need a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) with a personal license to sell alcohol. Personal license: £37 + training (£100-150) + DBS check (£23-25). Apply 6-8 weeks before opening.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not registering 28 days in advance
Can result in prosecution and fines
Forgetting to register each trading name
All delivery app brands must be registered
No written HACCP plan
Will fail inspection, cannot score above 1-star
Applying for alcohol license too late
Takes 6-8 weeks to process
Starting with employees but no Employers Liability
£2,500/day fine
No food waste segregation
Mandatory from March 2025 (10+ employees)
Written by
James Mitchell
Ghost Kitchen Operations Director & Industry Expert
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register a food business in London?
Register your food business through your local councils environmental health department at least 28 days before opening. Registration is completely free and cannot be refused. You can register online at register.food.gov.uk or through your borough website. You can start trading once registration is submitted - you dont need to wait for the inspection.
How much does a food business license cost in London?
Food business registration in London is free. However, total compliance costs include: Level 2 Food Hygiene training (£15-28 per person), Level 3 for supervisors (£79-99), insurance (£560-1,200/year), and waste collection (£960-1,220/year). Total first-year compliance costs typically run £3,500-5,500 for a small food business without alcohol license.
How long does it take to get a food license in London?
Food business registration is processed within 4-28 days. You can legally start trading once you submit your application - you dont need to wait for approval or inspection. Your first food hygiene inspection typically occurs within 28 days for new high-risk premises, though there may be delays. Currently over 42,000 businesses in England are waiting for their first inspection.
Do I need different licenses for different London boroughs?
No, your food business registration follows the same FSA regulations across all London boroughs. Register with the borough where your premises is located. However, some boroughs have specific requirements: Camden requires a 3+ hygiene rating for street traders, City of London uses Port Health Authority, and Westminster has stricter rules in entertainment districts.
Do ghost kitchens need a food license in London?
Yes, ghost kitchens (dark kitchens) have the same licensing requirements as traditional restaurants. You must register with your local council 28 days before opening, have food hygiene trained staff, maintain HACCP documentation, and will receive the same food hygiene inspections. All trading names used on delivery apps should be registered.
What happens if I operate without registering?
Operating a food business without registering is a criminal offence under the Food Safety Act 1990. You can be prosecuted and fined. Environmental health officers can also issue improvement notices or closure orders. Theres no benefit to avoiding registration since its free and cannot be refused.