New: the free 12-step MobCater startup guide is now in the app. Open the app →

Jiffy Vans Licensing


Hi. Thank you for your helpful information. My question might sound silly but Can I stay in one place with a Jiffy Van or do I have to be mobile? and if I am mobile, do I still need permission from the land owner? How long can I stay in the premises? I need some information on Jiffy vans licenses and its pros and cons please. Thank you

Comments for Jiffy Vans Licensing

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Jiffy Van Licensing: Can You Stay in One Place or Must You Be Mobile?
by: MobCater

Hello,

Here are a few points to help point you in the right direction.

1. Can You Stay in One Place With a Jiffy Van?

Yes — you can stay in one fixed spot, as long as the landowner gives permission.
A Jiffy van is mobile catering, but you do not have to keep moving. Many traders stay parked daily at:

Industrial estates

Private car parks

Building sites

Markets

Business forecourts

2. Do You Need Permission From the Landowner?

Yes — always. Even if you are mobile, you must have written landowner permission to trade on private land.

This protects you if:

The council asks who authorised your position

A neighbouring business complains

Land ownership is shared

3. Do You Need a Street Trading Licence?

A) Trading on Private Land

Landowner permission required

x - Street trading licence often not needed
But… some councils still require a licence if the public can walk onto the land.

B) Trading on Public Roads, Laybys or Pavements

You normally DO need a Street Trading Licence

Some councils restrict where you can stop

4. How Long Can You Stay on a Premises?

This depends on:

The landowner

Council rules

Whether land is private or public

Private Land:
Stay as long as the landowner allows — daily, weekly, or long-term.

Public Land:
Some councils limit stays to:

20–30 minutes

No more than 1 hour at a single stop

5. Jiffy Van Pros & Cons
Pros

Fully self-contained catering unit

Low operating costs

Ideal for industrial estates

Move locations easily

No pitch rent if on private land (with permission)

Strong breakfast & lunch trade potential

Cons

✖ Small working space

✖ You must secure regular trading spots

✖ Vans can be costly to maintain/repair

✖ Must follow food hygiene & LPG rules

✖ No toilet facilities on board (matters for long stays)

6. Licence Checklist (Simple)

Food Business Registration (28 days before trading)

LPG/Gas Safe checks (COMCAT engineer)

Street Trading Licence (if required by the council)

Landowner permission

Public Liability Insurance

7. Simple Summary

Yes, you can stay in one place.

Yes, you need landowner permission.

You might need a street trading licence (depends on the council).

Private land gives more flexibility and fewer restrictions.

Hope this helps you get started in the right direction.

Disclaimer (Short – MobCater Style)

This information is for general guidance only and may vary between UK councils. Always check with your local authority or a qualified legal/licensing professional before trading. MobCater is not responsible for decisions made based on this summary.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Mobile Food Trailers - Questions.

Your first trading day is closer than you think

Start free today with the 12-step guide, and skip the trial and error most new caterers learn the hard way.

Start the free 12-step guide