Stick up for food hygiene Many food and drink businesses in the UK are not registered with their local authority – despite it being a legal requirement and easy to do SUMMER 2019 FOOD REGISTRATION ‘Nearly everyone who needs an alcohol licence applies for one, but there is still ignorance about the need to also register as a food business’ Food safety law requires premises where food and drink is made and/or sold to be registered with the local authority. Registration is free and should be done at least 28 days before the business starts trading. A new food business operator [FBO] should go to their local authority’s website and download the food-registration form. This can be returned online or via the post, and submission of the form will trigger a new premises food hygiene risk inspection. This is the visit that gives businesses their national Food Hygiene Rating Score [FHRS] – and the green and black sticker to put in their window. It is a simple process, yet – every year – food inspectors find thousands of unregistered businesses that have never been inspected for food safety. It is estimated that up to 20 per cent of food businesses in the UK are not registered. Nearly everyone who needs an alcohol licence applies for one, but there is still ignorance about the need to also register as a food business (drinks are consumed, so you need to register). If there is a change of FBO, a new registration is required. Any previous FHRS rating will also lapse and you may be committing an offence if you display this. If you sell your business, remind the buyer that a new registration must be submitted – and tell the local authority you are moving on; it will do the rest. We should all want – and expect – what we eat and drink to be safe. While it is not a legal requirement in England to display a FHRS sticker, if you visit premises where one is not on show, check to see if it is on the FHRS website. If it isn’t, it may be unknown to the local authority. Getting food safety wrong can cause serious health issues for customers. Being registered and subject to food-hygiene checks is also about fairness to all businesses – and failure to register could result in you being prosecuted. Information about running a food business is readily available on local authority websites and from the Food Standards Agency. Credits: Helen Cameron, Chartered Environmental Health practitioner, Watch Commander Frank Netty, West Midlands Fire Service Images: istock / Koska / master1305 GET YOUR SUMMER FUN RUBBER-STAMPED If your business wants to host a summer event, you’ll probably need a licence from the local council – but which type? There is no need to apply for permits if your event is in a purpose-built venue, but there are greater restrictions on organising events outside – even on private land. If you are not expecting more than 499 people, you may need a Temporary Event Notice to sell or otherwise supply alcohol, or if there is to be entertainment or hot food after 11pm. For events with 500 attendees or more, you will need a premises licence. To supply alcohol, you will also need a designated premises supervisor who holds a personal licence. To perform or broadcast copyrighted material – such as music, films or plays – a Performing Rights Society and/or a Phonographic Performance Limited licence is required. You will have to apply to the local council to hold an event on public land. Likewise, if it requires street or road closures, you will need a temporary traffic regulation order. Be sure to apply to the relevant authorities in good time – some like to be contacted a year in advance of your planned event date. Also ensure relevant safety certificates and provision of appropriate personnel (first aid, security, food hygiene) are in place right at the start; this will assist the application process, making it easier for you and the officers dealing with your request. For more information on organising an event, visit the Birmingham City Council or GOV.UK websites. For further information please contact your local Trading Standards Service Stick up for food hygiene Many food and drink businesses in the UK are not registered with their local authority – despite it being a legal requirement and easy to do