Do I need a licence to run a food truck in London?

Yes: street trading consents are typically required from the local borough where you operate and you must register as a food business with the local council.

How far in advance must I register a food business?

Register at least 28 days before opening according to GOV.UK guidance.

Are there national licences for hair and beauty salons?

There is no single national salon licence; councils regulate premises standards and may require registration for certain special treatments, so check your borough's environmental health or licensing pages.

Food Truck & Salon Licences - London Bylaws

Business and Consumer Protection England 4 Minutes Read · published February 02, 2026

In London, England, operators of food trucks (street trading) and salon businesses must comply with local council licensing, food-safety registration and health-and-safety rules before trading. This guide explains which local offices enforce rules, how to register or apply for street trading consents and premises controls, typical compliance checks, and practical steps to start lawful operations in London.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by the local council licensing or environmental health teams. Exact monetary penalties and escalation are not always published centrally by councils; where an amount is not shown on the cited official page the text below records that fact with a citation.

Fines: not specified on the cited page for street trading and food-business registration; penalty amounts vary by council and offence type.Westminster City Council - Street trading^[2]
Escalation: first offences, repeat offences and continuing breaches are handled under council enforcement policies; specific ranges or daily continuing fines are not specified on the cited pages.
Non-monetary sanctions: councils can issue prohibition or improvement notices, suspend or revoke consents, seize unsafe equipment, and pursue prosecution through the magistrates' court.
Enforcer and inspection route: local council Licensing or Environmental Health teams inspect premises and respond to complaints; contact details are available on council licensing pages.
Appeals and reviews: procedures and time limits for appealing a licence decision vary by council; specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages.
Defences and discretion: councils commonly allow mitigation such as corrective action plans, temporary permits or variance applications, but exact grounds such as "reasonable excuse" depend on local policy.

Check the responsible borough licensing page early to confirm enforcement and appeal times.

Applications & Forms

Food businesses must register with the local authority at least 28 days before opening; registration itself is done with the local council rather than via a single national licence.Register your food business - GOV.UK^[1]

Food business registration: register with the local council; GOV.UK notes registration at least 28 days before opening but does not publish a universal form on that page.
Street trading (food truck) consent: apply to the local borough licensing team; application forms, fees and site-specific conditions are provided by each council and vary by location.Westminster City Council - Street trading^[2]
Salon premises and special treatments: many councils require registration for certain cosmetic treatments and maintain local guidance and application forms; check your borough licensing or environmental health pages for published forms.

Submission methods: councils commonly accept online forms, email or postal applications; fees and exact submission addresses are listed on each borough page. Deadlines: some councils operate waiting lists for fixed pitches and set seasonal windows for street trading; check the local guidance.

Common Violations

Operating without a street trading consent or food-business registration.
Poor food-hygiene standards revealed at inspection.
Unauthorized cosmetic treatments or unregistered premises for certain special treatments.

Action Steps

Identify the borough where you will trade and read that council's street trading and licensing pages.
Register your food business with the local council at least 28 days before opening.
Complete any required premises inspection and submit plans for food preparation and waste disposal.
If refused, request formal reasons in writing and follow the council appeal process or seek a review.

Keep records of registrations, consents and inspection certificates to avoid disputes.

FAQ

Do I need a licence to run a food truck in London?: Yes: street trading consents are typically required from the local borough where you operate and you must register as a food business with the local council.^[1]
How far in advance must I register a food business?: Register at least 28 days before opening according to the GOV.UK guidance.^[1]
Are there national licences for hair and beauty salons?: There is no single national salon licence; councils regulate premises standards and may require registration for certain special treatments—check your borough's environmental health or licensing pages.

How-To

Identify the borough council responsible for the street or premises where you will operate.
For food trucks: apply for street trading consent with that council and register your food business with the local authority.^[2]
For salons: contact environmental health or licensing to confirm required registrations and any special-treatments forms.
Prepare documentation: public liability insurance, food-safety management (e.g., Safer Food Better Business), waste plans, and proof of identity and right to work.
Schedule inspections, pay fees and obtain written consent before trading; retain records of approvals and inspection reports.

Key Takeaways

Register food businesses with the local council at least 28 days before opening.
Street trading consents are issued by the borough where you trade and conditions vary by location.
Salon operators should confirm local registration requirements for special treatments with their council.