What you must comply with

Unique to beverage serving activities

licensing

Premises licence (alcohol sales)

Licensing Act 2003
England_Wales

Pubs, bars, nightclubs all need premises licence. Different licensing regime in Scotland and NI.

licensing

Personal licence holder

Licensing Act 2003
England_Wales

At least one personal licence holder per premises.

licensing

Late Night Levy (where applicable)

Licensing Act 2003 Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011
England_Wales

Only in participating local authority areas. Applies to premises open between midnight and 06:00.

licensing

SIA-licensed door supervisors

SIA
Private Security Industry Act 2001
England_Wales

Required for venues with door supervisors. SIA licence needed by individuals; venue must employ only licensed staff.

Applies to all beverage serving activities

registration

Food business registration

One_Off

Must register at least 28 days before opening. Separate registration in each LA area if multiple premises.

inspection

Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS)

FSA
Periodic

Mandatory display in Wales and Northern Ireland. Voluntary display in England (but published online).

certification

HACCP-based food safety management

FSA
Ongoing

Written food safety management system required. FSA 'Safer Food, Better Business' pack available for small businesses.

reporting

Allergen information for consumers

FSA
Ongoing

Must declare 14 major allergens. Natasha's Law (PPDS labelling) for pre-packed for direct sale.

insurance

Employers' Liability Insurance

HSE
Annual

Required for all employers.

inspection

Fire safety compliance

Ongoing

Fire risk assessment required. Responsible person must be designated. Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 added requirements for multi-occupied residential buildings.

Guidance for this activity

Host weddings and events on your farm

How to set up and run a farm wedding or event venue. Covers planning permission, licensing, fire safety, insurance, and food safety requirements for converting agricultural buildings to event spaces.

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Right to work checks for hospitality employers

Step-by-step guide to conducting right to work checks for hospitality staff, including the three-step process, online checking service, repeat checks for time-limited permission, and avoiding civil penalties of up to 60,000 pounds per illegal worker.

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Working time and rest breaks in hospitality

Working Time Regulations explained for hospitality employers including maximum hours, rest break entitlements, split shift rules, night work limits, young worker protections, and the 48-hour opt-out.

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Control food temperatures safely

Keep food at safe temperatures throughout storage, cooking, holding, cooling, and reheating to prevent harmful bacterial growth and comply with food hygiene law.

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Food safety training for your staff

Food hygiene certificates are not a legal requirement -- UK law requires competency, not certificates. This guide explains what training your food handlers actually need, available course levels, and how to demonstrate compliance during inspections.

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Food safety requirements in Scotland

How food safety regulation differs in Scotland. Covers Food Standards Scotland, CookSafe, the Food Hygiene Information Scheme, and key legislative differences that affect Scottish food businesses.

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Running a package travel business

How to comply with ATOL licensing and Package Travel Regulations 2018 when selling package holidays. Covers ATOL application, bonding requirements, consumer cancellation rights, and complaints handling.

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Pubs Code for tied tenants

Your rights as a tied pub tenant under the Pubs Code. Covers Market Rent Only (MRO) option, rent assessment process, regulated pub companies, and how to raise disputes with the Pubs Code Adjudicator.

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Register and run a food business

How to register your food business with your local authority, meet food hygiene requirements, and achieve a good food hygiene rating. Essential compliance for all food businesses including home-based and mobile.

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Late Night Levy for licensed premises

Understanding the Late Night Levy for alcohol premises trading between midnight and 6am, including rates by rateable value, available reductions, and how it interacts with EMROs and Cumulative Impact Policies. England and Wales only.

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Brewery licensing and compliance

Complete licensing, registration, and duty requirements for operating a brewery in the UK, including APPA registration, food safety, premises licensing, and alcohol duty obligations.

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