Food business - starting a new business

Information and advice on starting a new food business.

Here are a few tips to get you started

You will need to ensure that the food or drink you will be producing is safe and wholesome. Every food business will pose a different risk, depending upon the type of food that you are proposing to prepare, produce and handle. As the proprietor of a food business you will have responsibilities under food safety legislation. You will need to find out which legislation applies to you and you also need to find out what to do in order to comply with that legislation. The main pieces of legislation that cover general food businesses are:

• Planning permission if your premises are not presently used as a food business. Please contact the planning and development control team on 0121 704 6369 for information.
• Public Sanitary Conveniences
  If you are proposing to run a business classed as a place of entertainment or you are selling food and drink to the public for consumption on the premises, you will need to provide public toilets. You will also need to consider facilities for the disabled. Contact the food safety team for further information on 0121 704 6837.
• Registration
  Under Article 6(2) of Regulation EC 852/2004 food businesses are required to register with the Local Authority where the business will be based. You must apply at least 28 days before business commences. Failure to register is an offence. Registration is NOT charged for. This simply allows the Local Authority to keep an up to date list of premises operating in the area. For further information about registering your business please visit the Food Business Registration webpages or call 0121 704 6837 and ask for a food premises registration form. Certain premises are exempt from having to register.
• Liquor Licence
  If you are proposing to serve alcoholic drinks on the premises, you will need to apply for a liquor licence. Please contact the licensing team on 0121 704 8231.
• Health & Safety
  Under the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 all employers have a duty to ensure as far as is reasonably practicable the health, safety and welfare of employees, customers and visitors. Contact the Health and Safety team for advice on 0121 704 6833 or visit the Health and Safety webpages.

Contact Details

For more information please contact Environmental Health

Telephone: 0121 704 6833

Email: environmentalhealth@solihull.gov.uk