If you are starting up a new food business or taking one over, you are advised of the following:
Licence summary
A food business is one which:
- carries out activities at any stage during the production, processing or distribution of food
- is involved in the preparation, handling, selling, serving or distribution of food, drink or any other substance used in processing or as a food ingredient
- is either a profit or not-for-profit, public or private venture
- may be in the form of market stalls, delivery vehicles or any other moveable structures.
All food businesses which handle, prepare or sell food are legally required to be registered with their local Council. This must be done at least 28 days before it is due to open.
There is no charge to register the business and you do not have to re-register every year. However you must notify the council of any changes you make to your business eg change of owner, change in type of business, re-location etc. If you have more than one food premises, these must be registered separately.
Some food premises must be approved. These include some types of manufacturing establishments, for example those who make meat preparations, minced meat and cooked meat products. The criteria for approval are very specific and there are a number of exemptions. Therefore you are advised to discuss this with us if you think this may apply to you. An application form for approval of a food premise can be downloaded and either submitted online or printed and posted to the address below.
You should also check to see if you need planning permission – if you do, contact the Planning Service who deal with all planning applications.
You are advised to draw up proposals for the design, layout and construction of your premises. They should include a sketch of the building, showing its layout and the location of any equipment, sinks, wash hand basins and toilets. Send your proposals to us for comment.To store, prepare, distribute or sell food on premises you need to be registered with the local authority. Premises include restaurants, cafes, hotels, shops, canteens, market stalls, mobile catering vans and food delivery vans.
Some manufacturers handling products of animal origin may need to be approved by the local authority or the Meat Hygiene Service, rather than registered. If you are uncertain whether your business needs to be approved or registered, contact your local authority.
For more information on starting up a new food business or taking over an existing one visit the Food Standards Agency – Starting Up: Your first steps to running a catering business
Eligibility Criteria
No provision in legislation
Regulation Summary
Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 on the Hygiene of Foodstuffs, Article 6(2)
Application Evaluation Process
No provision in legislation
Will Tacit Consent Apply?
Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the target completion period
Apply online
Apply for registration of a food business establishment
Application to change a food premises registration
Forms to Download, print and post
Food Business Registration Form
Failed Application Redress
Please contact Armagh City and District Council’s Environmental Health Department, Council Offices, The Palace Demesne, Armagh Tel: 028 3752 9626 Fax: 028 3752 7184 email: ehealth@armagh.gov.uk
Licence Holder Redress
Please contact Armagh City and District Council’s Environmental Health Department, Council Offices, The Palace Demesne, Armagh Tel: 028 3752 9626 Fax: 028 3752 7184 email: ehealth@armagh.gov.uk
Consumer Complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made by you with the trader – preferably in the form of a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, and you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Other Redress
eg about noise, pollution, etc please contact Armagh City and District Council’s Environmental Health Department, Council Offices, The Palace Demesne, Armagh BT60 4EL Tel: 028 3752 9626 Fax: 028 3752 7184 email: ehealth@armagh.gov.uk
Trade Associations Chilled Food Association
National Federation of Meat and Food Traders
Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA)
Scottish Food and Drink Federation (SFDF)
