What Licence Do You Need to Sell Sandwiches From a Mobile Van?

by Richard
(Hounslow )

Mobile sandwich van serving customers - what licence do you need?

Mobile sandwich van serving customers - what licence do you need?

What type? Off Licence. Do I need? 2. Sell. Sandwiches. From. A. Mobile. Sandwich van

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Apr 02, 2026
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by: MobCater

Good question Richard — a lot of people think there's one single "food selling licence" but it doesn't quite work like that. There are a few different things you need, and I'll run through them for you.

First, you need to register as a food business with your local council — specifically the Environmental Health department. You have to do this at least 28 days before you start trading, and it's free. You register where your van is kept overnight, not where you trade.

Second, get yourself a Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2). Technically it's not a legal requirement, but every EHO I've ever dealt with expects to see one. You can do it online in a few hours for about £20–£30. I'd treat it as essential.

Third — and this is the one that trips most people up — you'll likely need a street trading licence or consent if you're selling on public land (streets, lay-bys, council-owned car parks). Every council is different on this, some charge a few hundred, some have waiting lists. Ring your local council's licensing team and just ask. If you're on private land like a business park or factory car park, you don't need the street trading licence, but you do need written permission from the landowner.

You'll also want public liability insurance. Not legally required if you're a sole trader with no staff, but almost every pitch owner and event organiser will ask for it. From about £150 a year — I wouldn't trade without it.

And if you're using propane (which most vans do), you'll need a gas safety certificate from a Gas Safe registered engineer. The EHO will want to see this.

One last thing — keep a daily temperature log for your fridge and any hot-holding. The EHO will check it and it shows you're on top of food safety.

You're asking all the right questions before getting started, which puts you in a good position.

Best of luck

David

Disclaimer: This is general advice for UK mobile catering. Licensing rules vary between councils — always check with your local authority before you start trading.

Try the free MobCater App — our startup checklist and guide walks you through every step: https://www.mobcater.co.uk/mobile-catering.html

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