UK Compliance Guide

Typically £5-10 million cover required by most venues. Essential for protecting against claims from the public. Renew annually.

Required by law if you employ anyone, even part-time staff. Minimum £5 million cover mandatory.

Covers claims arising from products you sell. Usually included in public liability but check your policy.

Protects your trailer, equipment, and stock. Consider all-risks cover for events.

Register with your local council at least 28 days before trading. Free to do online.

Required for anyone handling food. Complete online training course. Valid for 3 years.

Inspected by Environmental Health. Aim for 5 stars. Display your rating visibly.

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points plan. Document your food safety procedures.

Written allergen information for all 14 major allergens. Must be available to customers.

Daily temperature logs for fridges, freezers, and hot holding. Keep records for 3 months minimum.

If installing or maintaining gas equipment, you must be Gas Safe registered. Check engineer credentials.

Required for all commercial gas appliances. Must be inspected by a Gas Safe engineer annually.

Proper storage of LPG cylinders. Keep upright, secured, and ventilated. Away from ignition sources.

Regular servicing of all gas equipment. Keep service records and maintain equipment manuals.

Know how to safely shut off gas supply. Train all staff on gas emergency procedures.

Portable Appliance Testing for all electrical equipment. Usually required annually for commercial use.

Fixed wiring in trailers/units needs periodic inspection. Valid for up to 5 years.

Residual Current Devices must protect all circuits. Test before each event.

If using generators, ensure proper earthing and fuel storage compliance.

Annual MOT required for vehicles over 3 years old. Trailers over 3,500kg also need MOT.

Must be taxed for road use. SORN if kept off-road only.

Commercial vehicle insurance covering business use and towing where applicable.

Category BE licence needed for towing trailers over 750kg. Check DVLA requirements.

May be required for larger vehicles (over 3.5 tonnes). Check with Traffic Commissioner.

Required in most areas to trade on public land. Apply to local council. Fees vary by location.

Written permission from landowner required. Even if land appears unused.

Temporary Event Notice for serving alcohol. Apply 10+ working days before event. Max 15 per year.

Licence required if serving hot food/drink between 11pm-5am.

Comply with event organiser rules. Provide documentation in advance. Attend briefings.

Written risk assessment for your operation. Review before each event. Site-specific considerations.

Appropriate fire extinguishers (typically CO2 and foam). Fire blanket for cooking operations.

Stocked first aid kit appropriate for your operation. Include burns dressings for catering.

How you'll handle waste including cooking oil disposal. Some events require waste carrier licence.

Written policy required if you employ 5+ people. Good practice for all businesses.

Train staff on safe lifting techniques. Document training provided.

Provide appropriate protective equipment. Non-slip shoes, oven gloves, aprons etc.

Record all accidents and near-misses. Keep records for 3 years.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. Document cleaning chemicals and their safe use.

Register as self-employed, limited company, or partnership with HMRC.

Required if turnover exceeds £90,000 (2024/25 threshold). Voluntary registration available.

Data protection for customer information. Privacy policy if collecting data.

Accurate weights and measures. Clear pricing. Consumer rights compliance.

TheMusicLicence required if playing recorded music publicly.

Verify all employees have the right to work in the UK. Keep copies of documents.

Pay at least the legal minimum. Rates vary by age. Keep pay records.

Written statement of employment particulars required from day one.

Maximum 48 hours per week average. Required rest breaks.

May be required if working at events with vulnerable people or children.