What is registration?

Registration of premises used for a food business, including market stalls, delivery vehicles and other moveable structures, is required by law. It involves completing a simple form which details the name, address, type of food business, the foods handled, the name of the proprietor, address of head office or registered office, number of people engaged in the food business and whether or not it is a seasonal business.

It is an offence to give false or incomplete information.

When do I register?

Anyone starting a new food business must register with their Local Authority at least 28 days before opening.

Is there a charge?

There is no charge for registration and Local Authorities cannot refuse to register premises.

How do I register?

Complete the application form for registration and send it with the appropriate signature to the Borough of Spelthorne, Environmental Health Services, Directorate of Community Services, Council Offices, Knowle Green, Staines, TW18 1XB

Why register?

The Food Premises (Registration) regulations 1991 requires food businesses which fall within the Borough of Spelthorne to be registered.

The purpose of the registration is to provide information for the Local Authority, which is responsible for enforcing food law, about the food businesses within its area so that it can target inspections and education programmes effectively.

The obligation to register and notify changes to the Local Authority lies with the proprietor of the food business. The form on which businesses should register is part of the Regulations and can be found at the end of this text. The form can be used for all Local Authority areas as it is a standard form used throughout the country.

Who needs to register?

If you run a food business for more than five days in any five consecutive weeks, you must tell (or arrange for someone else to tell) the Local Authority about any premises you use for storing, selling, distributing or preparing food. Food premises include restaurants, hotels, cafés, shops, supermarkets, staff canteens, kitchens in offices, warehouses, guest houses, delivery vehicles, market and other stalls, burger and ice cream vans, etc.

If you use vehicles for your food business in connection with a permanent premises such as a shop, or warehouse you only need to tell the Local Authority how many vehicles you have. You do not need to register each vehicle separately. If you have one or more vehicles, but no permanent premises, you must tell the Authority where they are normally kept.

The majority of premises will have to be registered. However, certain premises are exempt from registration, e.g. some which are already registered for food law purposes, certain agricultural premises, motor cars, tents and marquees (but not stalls), some domestic premises and some village halls. You should contact your Local Authority if you think you might be exempt.

Does it run out after a period of time?

Registration does not need periodic renewal. However, it is the responsibility of the proprietor to notify the Local Authority of any changes in the detail provided.

What happens to my information?

The Local Authority is required by the Regulations to keep a register, open to inspection by the public, containing the name and address of the food premises concerned and the type of business operated there. Apart from this, the remaining information upon the form is confidential. The information cannot be revealed to anyone except an authorised officer of another enforcement authority or to a police constable.

Do I get a receipt of my registration?

Unless you specifically ask for a receipt, or letter of confirmation, the Borough of Spelthorne will not provide proof of receipt of the Food Registration form.

Food Premises Registration Application Form