What else applies depends on what you sell and where. Follow the guidance for each product that fits your business.
Specialist retail licences and registrations
Tobacco, fireworks, pets, scrap metal and market trading.
If you sell food or run a convenience store
Register as a food business, meet hygiene rules and prepare for inspection.
If you also sell alcohol
Premises licences, personal licences and designated premises supervisors.
If you sell vapes, nicotine pouches or tobacco
Selling vapes, nicotine pouches and tobacco: what changes from 29 October 2026.
If you sell knives
Selling knives and bladed articles, including the rules on delivering them to home addresses.
If you sell drinks in containers
Deposit return scheme: what drinks retailers must do.
If you run a petrol forecourt
Petroleum storage, forecourt safety and the rules for storing fuel.
If you deal in firearms, shotguns or air weapons
Registering as a firearms dealer and checking buyers' certificates.
If you run a pharmacy
Registering pharmacy premises and having a responsible pharmacist in charge.
If you run an opticians practice
Who may test sight and fit lenses, and registering the business with the General Optical Council.