For event and leisure

START UP A MOBILE CATERING BUSINESS

STEP2. REGULATIONS - FOOD SAFETY LAWS

Private property or store fronts continued
Your local council may insist on you obtaining planning permission if your catering trailer is permanently sited or never moved, if your catering trailer is positioned on private property with inadequate parking facilities, particularly if close to a main road where traffic tends to stop and park to purchase from you causing traffic jams and safety issues. Every council in every area will have their own guidelines, once you have found a position give them a ring, explain what and where you want trade and they will advise you accordingly.     
Travelling to events outside your council area
In the past when you wanted to trade at events outside your local area you had to apply for what was called a Hawkers licence, which needed to be purchased from the council area you were visiting. Now with the introduction of the food safety act, provided that your mobile catering business is registered with your local environmental health department within your council, you do not need to apply for licences to attend events outside your local area. However the local environmental health department where the event is being held may randomly check catering trailers from other areas at events, event organisers will ask for proof of being registered, proof of insurance cover, food hygiene training certificates and on occasions may ask to see your written food hazard analysis and risk assessment. 

 

 

KEY POINTS

CHECK LIST

Important step  
Regulations are in place to protect the public from risks.
Find out more

Food safety
What to expect and how to comply with food regulations.
Find out more 

Hazard analysis
What is it and how to prepare one.
Find out more

Licensing laws
After hours trading laws apply to you.
Find out more

Insurance cover
Required by law.
Find out more

Roadside trading
Store fronts and travelling to events outside your area.
Find out more

Local councils
Find your local environmental health department.
Find out more

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