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All food businesses must register with Manchester City Council - it's free. Register at least 28 days before you start. Street trading on public land requires a separate licence. Greater Manchester boroughs (Salford, Trafford, etc.) have separate registration requirements.
How to Register Your Food Business
Register as a Food Business
Free registration with Manchester City Council
Complete online form on manchester.gov.uk
More infoFood Hygiene Training
Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate minimum
Online courses available (£15-25) or in-person training in Manchester
Premises Inspection
Environmental Health Officer visits to assess your premises
Be prepared for unannounced visit - keep standards consistent
Receive Food Hygiene Rating
Rating from 0-5 displayed publicly on ratings.food.gov.uk
Aim for 5 stars - 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 (update if changes) |
| Street Trading Licence | £180-600/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 |
| Market Trader Licence | Varies by market | Trading at council-run markets | Per market/event |
Street Trading in Manchester
| Area | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City Centre | Consent streets (licence required) | High demand, competitive applications |
| Northern Quarter | Consent streets | Popular food scene, strict requirements |
| Ancoats | Consent streets | Growing area, check specific locations |
| Piccadilly Gardens | Managed by Manchester Markets | Apply through Markets team |
| Deansgate | Consent streets | High footfall, premium pitches |
| Oxford Road | Mixed consent/prohibited | Check specific street sections |
Greater Manchester Boroughs
Each borough has separate licensing: Salford (MediaCityUK, Salford Quays), Trafford (Trafford Centre, Altrincham), Stockport, Tameside, Oldham, Rochdale, Bury, Bolton, Wigan. Check which council covers your intended location.
Manchester Markets
Manchester Markets at Piccadilly
Food & general
New Smithfield Market
Wholesale (trade only)
Various pop-up locations
Check Manchester Markets
Contact Manchester Markets at markets@manchester.gov.uk or 0161 234 7357 for availability and applications.
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 Manchester Contacts
Environmental Health (Food Safety)
Phone: 0161 234 5004
Email: food.safety@manchester.gov.uk
For: Food business registration, hygiene ratings, inspections
Licensing
Phone: 0161 234 5004
Email: premises.licensing@manchester.gov.uk
For: Street trading, late night refreshment, premises licences
Trading Standards
Phone: 0161 234 1555
Email: trading.standards@manchester.gov.uk
For: Food labelling, weights & measures, allergen compliance
Manchester Markets
Phone: 0161 234 7357
Email: markets@manchester.gov.uk
For: Market stall applications, Arndale, Piccadilly Gardens
Written by
James Mitchell
Ghost Kitchen Operations Director & Industry Expert
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register a food business in Manchester?
Register online at manchester.gov.uk at least 28 days before you start trading. Registration is free. You'll need: business details, premises address, description of food activities, and food safety contact. After registration, expect an inspection visit from Environmental Health. You can start trading after 28 days even if inspection hasn't happened yet.
How much does a Manchester street trading licence cost?
Manchester street trading licence costs: City centre pitches typically £400-600/year, outer areas £180-350/year. Fees vary by location, pitch size, and trading hours. Application fee plus ongoing fees apply. Popular locations have waiting lists. Contact Manchester Licensing for current fees and available pitches.
Can I sell food at Manchester markets?
Yes - apply through Manchester Markets for council-run markets. For private markets and events, contact the organiser directly. Requirements: Food business registration, appropriate insurance (usually £5M public liability), food hygiene certificate for handlers. Manchester Markets manages Piccadilly Gardens and various pop-up locations - contact them for availability and fees.
How long does food business registration take in Manchester?
You must register at least 28 days before starting. The registration itself is processed within a few days. First inspection timing varies - it could be weeks or months depending on Environmental Health workload. You're legally allowed to trade after your registration date regardless of inspection timing. Keep standards high from day one.
What areas of Manchester allow street trading?
Manchester has consent streets (licence required) and prohibited streets (no trading). City centre, Northern Quarter, Ancoats, and Deansgate are mostly consent streets. Some areas like parts of Oxford Road have prohibited sections. Always check the Manchester Street Trading Policy before applying. Contact Licensing for current availability.
Do I need different licences for different Manchester boroughs?
Yes - each Greater Manchester borough has its own licensing: Manchester City Council covers the city centre, Salford covers MediaCityUK area, Trafford covers Trafford Centre area, etc. If you operate in multiple areas, you may need multiple registrations and licences. Each council has different fees and policies.
How do I get a 5-star food hygiene rating in Manchester?
For 5 stars in Manchester: Excellent compliance with hygiene law, robust documented food safety system, good structural condition (clean, well-maintained, adequate facilities), confident management procedures. Manchester uses standard FHRS scoring. If you get less than 5, you can request a paid re-rating visit after making improvements (fee around £150).
What are Manchester's food truck requirements?
Food trucks in Manchester need: Food business registration (free, 28 days notice), street trading consent for public locations (£180-600+/year), vehicle/trailer compliance, public liability insurance (£5M minimum), food hygiene certificates. Private land (business parks, events) may not need street trading consent but still needs food business registration. Always check specific pitch requirements.