Dealing with licences and regulations

Business licenses: what you need

Find out what licenses and permits your business needs to operate legally.

UK-wide
Guide summary

Check which licences your business needs to operate legally. Requirements depend on what you do, where you work, and your industry. Use the GOV.UK licence finder or contact your local council. Apply early as some licences take months to process.

  • Use GOV.UK licence finder by entering your business activity and postcode
  • Contact your local council for licences like alcohol, food or street trading
  • Register your food business at least 28 days before opening
  • Apply for an alcohol premises licence (£100-£1,900 depending on rateable value)
  • Get a waste carrier licence if transporting business waste (£184 for new application)
  • Check if you need planning permission for property changes
  • Allow 3-6 months for some licence applications
  • Operating without required licences can lead to fines or closure
  • Check sector-specific regulators like FCA for financial services
  • Budget for licence costs which can range from free to thousands
On this page
UK-wide

Related guides in Compliance & Legal

Many businesses need specific licenses or permits to operate legally. Requirements depend on what you do, where you operate, and your industry sector.

Operating without required licenses is a criminal offence. Penalties include fines, closure orders, or imprisonment depending on the violation.

Food, Drink & Hospitality Requirement

Hospitality businesses: alcohol and entertainment

If you're opening a pub, restaurant, bar, or hotel, you'll typically need:

  • Premises license (alcohol): £100-£1,900 depending on rateable value. Apply to local licensing authority at least 28 days before opening.
  • Personal license: Required for designated premises supervisor. £37 application, must complete accredited qualification (1-day course ~£150).
  • Food business registration: Free, register at least 28 days before opening.
  • Music license: May be included in premises license or require separate PRS/PPL licenses.

Timeline: Start license applications 3-4 months before opening. Premises license can be challenged by residents or authorities.

Who this applies to: All hospitality businesses serving alcohol or food, or providing entertainment
Enforcement: Trading Standards and local licensing authority enforce. Penalties: Unlimited fines, imprisonment up to 6 months, closure orders.
Apply for alcohol license (opens in a new tab)
Retail & Consumer Goods Requirement

Retail businesses: product safety and trading standards

Retail businesses must comply with:

  • Product safety: All products must meet UK safety standards. Toys, electrical goods, cosmetics have specific requirements.
  • Age-restricted sales: If selling alcohol, tobacco, knives, solvents - need age verification policies and staff training.
  • Weights and measures: Scales and measuring equipment must be legally certified if selling by weight/volume.
  • Sunday trading (large shops): Shops over 280m² can only open 6 continuous hours between 10am-6pm on Sundays.

No upfront license for general retail, but Trading Standards enforce product safety and consumer protection laws.

Who this applies to: All retail businesses selling goods to consumers
Enforcement: Trading Standards enforce. Penalties: Unlimited fines, product recalls, closure orders for serious violations.
Product safety requirements (opens in a new tab)

Planning permission for business use

You need planning permission if you:

  • Change property use class: E.g., residential to commercial (except limited home-based business)
  • Make external changes: New shopfronts, signage, extensions
  • Work from home at scale: If business changes property character (lots of visitors, deliveries, parking issues)
  • Listed building: Almost all changes require Listed Building Consent
  1. 1

    Use GOV.UK license finder

    Enter your business activity and postcode at gov.uk/find-licences to get personalized list of licenses.

  2. 2

    Check with local authority

    Contact your council's licensing team - many licenses are issued locally (alcohol, food, waste, street trading).

  3. 3

    Budget for license costs

    License fees vary widely (free for food registration, £100s-£1,000s for alcohol, environmental permits).

  4. 4

    Allow 3-6 months lead time

    Some licenses take months to process. Apply early - you cannot trade without them.

  5. 5

    Check planning permission

    If changing property use or making alterations, check with local planning authority first.

Common license types by sector

Food businesses
Free registration with local authority 28 days before opening. Food hygiene rating (0-5 stars) after inspection.
Alcohol sales
Premises license £100-£1,900 (based on rateable value). Personal license £37 + qualification course.
Waste carriers
Upper tier license £154 for 3 years if transporting business or commercial waste. Register with Environment Agency.
Taxi/private hire
Driver and vehicle licenses from local authority. Medical assessment, DBS check, knowledge test. Costs vary by area.
Entertainment
Regulated entertainment (live music, plays, films) often covered by premises license. May need separate PRS/PPL licenses.
Street trading
License from local council to sell goods in streets or public places. Costs and availability vary widely.
Environmental permits
Required for activities causing pollution or using hazardous materials. £1,000s application fee, apply to Environment Agency.

Finding licenses for your business

Tools and resources to identify and apply for licenses.

Find licenses for your business (opens in a new tab)