What licenses do I need to start a restaurant or bar in the UK?

In the UK, opening a bar or restaurant requires adherence to a set of stringent regulations to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of both patrons and staff. One of the most crucial steps in this process is obtaining the appropriate licenses.

Any establishment selling alcohol needs a premises licence, which grants permission to sell or supply alcohol on specific premises. This is accompanied by a designated premises supervisor (DPS) who must hold a personal licence, signifying they’ve undergone necessary training and are responsible for the sale of alcohol at the venue.

Additionally, if the establishment plans to play live or recorded music, a music licence might be required. Food establishments also need to be registered with the local council at least 28 days before opening, ensuring they meet health and safety standards.

It’s imperative to understand and comply with these licensing requirements, as failure to do so can result in hefty fines, legal actions, or even closure of the establishment

8 Licenses required to open a Bar or Restaurant in UK

Opening a restaurant or pub in the UK involves navigating a complex web of legal requirements. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all license or certification that encompasses every legal facet. Multiple licenses must be secured to ensure you’re in compliance with varying rules and regulations.

While the task might seem daunting, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide detailing the essential licenses and certifications necessary for opening a restaurant in the UK, ensuring you steer clear of any future legal pitfalls. Do note that the exact licenses required can differ based on your specific location within the UK, but these are the foundational ones to consider

1. Food Business Registration

Initiating a restaurant venture requires initial registration with the local governing bodies. Essential for any business involved in the preparation, storage, cooking, serving, handling, distribution, sale, or provision of food, the Food Business Registration is a paramount step. Begin the registration process for your new eatery here.

It’s imperative to secure this license a minimum of 28 days prior to the restaurant’s inauguration to avoid potential fines or, in extreme cases, a prison sentence of up to 2 years. Upon registration, gear up for an assessment from the Food Standards Agency to aim for a top-tier, five-star health and hygiene rating.

2. Food Premise Approval

Every dining establishment, with the sole exception of purely vegan eateries, must secure this approval. Essentially, if your restaurant deals with meat, fish, eggs, or dairy, you’re obliged to attain endorsement from the local council. Begin your license application process here.

If you’re planning to extend your sales beyond your registered county, this license becomes pivotal. To commence the application, either reach out to your local council for a form or submit directly via their online portal. The manner in which you exhibit this approval can differ based on the specific council. Operating a food establishment without the proper permissions is illegal and can lead to prosecution. Hence, securing this license is a non-negotiable when launching a restaurant in the UK.

3. Premises License

For those venturing into the pub and bar industry, there’s a specific license you’ll need. If your operations involve selling alcohol or offering hot food and beverages outside typical restaurant hours, this license becomes essential. The fee associated with this license is contingent on your venue’s valuation.

Outlined below are the activities encompassed by this license:

• Providing hot food and beverages between 11 pm and 5 am
• Stage plays
• Cinema screenings
• Indoor sports activities
• Indoor and outdoor boxing or wrestling events
• Both live and pre-recorded music or amenities for creating music
• Facilities for dance or actual dancing sessions

Given that this license pertains to alcohol permissions, one must be 18 years or older to obtain it. Nevertheless, certain exceptions might exempt you from needing this license, such as when a film displayed is educational, promotional, or an exhibit within a museum or gallery, or if music (whether live or recorded) is merely incidental to the ambiance.

Proceed here to start your application for this license.

4. Personal License

This license is designed for those offering alcoholic drinks on their property. In the UK, the legal age for selling and consuming alcohol is 18, which means one must be at least 18 to obtain this license. Every beverage served in a pub or bar must be sanctioned by someone holding a Personal License.

As a result, every member of your team should possess this license. You can approach your local governing body to apply or initiate the application directly here.

5. Restaurant Insurance

In addition to the necessary licenses, securing insurance for your restaurant is crucial. While not strictly licenses, these insurances are essential to shield against potential legal fees and compensation in the event of unforeseen incidents.

Here’s a breakdown of some pivotal insurances to consider:

• Public Liability Insurance: This provides coverage in scenarios where a patron falls ill or suffers an injury while on your restaurant property.
• Employer’s Liability Insurance: This is akin to the public liability insurance but specifically targets potential legal expenses arising from workplace injuries to employees.
• Buildings Insurance: Often referred to as Business Property Insurance, this safeguards against damages to the restaurant structure and its interior contents. Typically, landlords oversee this insurance, but it’s always wise to verify.

6. Events License

If your restaurant only offers alcohol during particular events or special occasions and not on a routine basis, you’ll need an Events license. Should you organize an event at your establishment where alcohol is to be served, ensure you procure a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) a minimum of 10 days in advance of the event.

This license encompasses all the provisions of a standard premises license but on a transient basis. This includes the authorization to sell alcoholic drinks, facilitate live music and dance, host sporting events, and provide hot beverages and food between 11 pm and 5 am.

Begin the application for this license here.

7. Music License 

Music serves as an excellent tool to maintain a cheerful atmosphere among restaurant staff and entertain customers while they await their meals. It’s common for eateries to feature music in both their front and back-of-house operations. To do so legally, a music license from PPL PRS – the UK’s primary music licensing entity – is necessary. This license ensures that the creators and artists of the tracks receive compensation for their use within your establishment.

Alternatively, you could bypass the licensing fees by opting for royalty-free tunes. However, it may require a diligent search to find songs that harmonize with your establishment’s vibe.

Now that you’re equipped with knowledge about the essential licenses and certifications for opening a restaurant in the UK, it’s vital to ensure all legal documentation is in order prior to launching your venture. If needed, consider enlisting the expertise of industry professionals or consulting specialists in this field.

8. Pavement License

In the UK, a pavement licence is a critical permit that allows businesses, especially restaurants, cafes, and bars, to place tables, chairs, and other amenities on the public highway adjacent to their premises.

This facilitates the establishment in offering al fresco dining or simply an outdoor space for patrons. Introduced to support businesses, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, it allowed more venues to maximise their space while adhering to social distancing protocols.

Securing a pavement licence involves meeting certain criteria and adhering to the guidelines set by the local council, ensuring that the public right of way is not obstructed and that accessibility is maintained for all pedestrians.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a license to open a restaurant UK?

Yes, you need a license to open a restaurant UK, any business selling food or drink must be registered with the local council at least 28 days before opening. This registration is free and can be done online. This is required for all food businesses operating in the UK.

How long does it take to obtain a restaurant license in the UK?

The duration can vary, but typically, it takes several weeks to process a restaurant license in the UK, depending on the local council's workload and any issues that might arise during the inspection.

Conclusion

In summary, initiating a restaurant or bar in the UK demands meticulous attention to licensing and regulatory adherence. Beyond just the fundamental premises and operations permits, establishments looking to offer alcohol, music, or special event features must secure additional specific licenses.

These licenses, from alcohol sales to music playback, ensure that businesses operate within the law, protecting proprietors from potential legal pitfalls and ensuring a safe and legal environment for patrons.

It’s imperative for aspiring restaurant and bar owners to be thoroughly versed in these requirements, ensuring a smooth commencement and continued success in their ventures.