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Mobile Catering - What Licence and Certificates are Required?

Hi David

I have acquired a mobile catering trailer and would like to know what kind of licence I need to start trading legally - also do I need to inform my local council?

If so, do they come out and check my catering trailer, it’s all new to me and I just want to know I’m doing everything right.

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Jun 18, 2025
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starstarstarstarstar 		MOBILE CATER CERTIFICATION
by: Anonymous

Hi
I want to do in mela some ready food
So do I need mobile cater certificate ?
Plz let me know if yes then how to get asap
Thanks
S
Apr 04, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		Food and Hygiene Certificate
by: David

Hello There,

It all depends on the type of food that you will be selling and also, if you are going to a have a hand in the preparing/making of the food that you will be selling. I would speak to your local Environmental health officer (council) who will be able to tell you very quickly.

Best of luck,
David
Apr 04, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		...
by: public

hi david i am planning on helping preparing and serve food at a church during the week to the public do i need any certificate to start.

Mar 19, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Licences & certificates
by: C.M Tait.

Hi there. I have been offered a snack bar with griddle, oven, urn, microwave, drinks chiller,(most run off gas, but a generator is included for items that needs electricity).

Fully fitted shelving & cupboard space.With pipe fittings for a chip fryer.All for £3000 ONO.

I have 2 friends I've done business with before and put it to both.

One is all for it but needs to save up 150 pounds a week & get a loan. The other seemed very jealous as he has a full time job on backshift. And put me down I think, by saying I'd need to go to college for a food & hygiene cert.

Then get sites & permits,(which I know, as I shared mine 15 years ago with a friend).

But he didn't need college courses etc. His 2 snack bars were inspected by health & saftey? & food & hygiene. No college.

Also to insure the bar which he again said was expensive. I have 2 great sites that snack bars used to use, but have gone, & the guy who used them said they were extremely busy.

Can you tell me if he is right or just jealous? My friend from 15 years ago didn't have to do all this person said, & went onto leading a grocers shop with a snack counter!! Drove a mercedes,& made a pretty penny. I'd appreciate your advice.If we bought this snack bar what would our next outlays(aside of stock) be?

Thanks very much. C.M Tait.
Mar 17, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Mobile Catering Certificates
by: David

Hello there,

In a nut shell, you will need to register with your local council and also make sure you have an up to date level 2 food and hygiene certificate. It is also recommended that you have a LPG gas safety test certificate and electric certificate if you intend to use electrical appliances in the catering trailer.

This will make sure that all appliances are safe to use and it will also give you peace of mind, some event organiser and pitch landlords with also ask to see these certificates.
As mentioned, the council will come down and inspect your food trailer regularly, as with any other food business.

For a more extensive list of what you need to get started in mobile catering,please sign up for my free guide on Starting a Mobile Catering Business


Best of luck
David

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