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What licenses or permits are required

by Ben Tingey
(Cornwall)


I have a chance to sell burgers and sausages from a bbq as part of a rig at a music festival I am a chef by trade and have a health and hygiene certificate just wondering if there is anything else I need

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Mar 24, 2025
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starstarstarstarstar 		Trading at a Music Festival
by: MobCater

That sounds like a great opportunity Ben! Since you’re trading at a music festival and cooking food on-site, here’s what you’ll need to check:

1. Food Business Registration
Since you're already a chef and have a Food Hygiene Certificate, I assume you’re registered with your local council as a food business. If not, you’ll need to register at least 28 days before trading.

2. Festival-Specific Requirements
The festival organizers will likely have their own food trader requirements, including:

Proof of Food Hygiene Rating (if applicable).

Up-to-date Food Safety Management System (FSMS) (e.g., HACCP or Safer Food, Better Business).

Gas safety certificate (if using gas).

PAT testing for electrical appliances (if using electric griddles, fridges, etc.).

3. Street Trading License (Check with Festival Organizers) Some festivals cover your trading license as part of the pitch fee.

If not, you may need to apply for a Temporary Street Trading License from the local council where the festival is held.

4. Public Liability Insurance (£5m+ Cover Recommended)
You must have Public Liability Insurance (PLI), usually £5 million coverage for festivals.

If you have staff, Employers’ Liability Insurance is also required.

5. Fire Safety & Equipment
Fire Extinguisher & Fire Blanket (suitable for BBQs and gas).

If using LPG gas, a Gas Safety Certificate and proper storage.

CO2 or dry powder extinguisher if working with live flames.

6. Food Storage & Temperature Control 🌡️
Cool boxes/fridges for raw meat (below 8°C).

Temperature probes to check cooked meat (burgers must be 75°C+ for 30 secs).

Handwashing station (hot water, soap, disposable towels – some festivals provide this).

7. Waste Disposal Plan
Many festivals require traders to manage oil disposal and waste removal responsibly.

8. Festival-Specific Rules
Some festivals have exclusivity deals (e.g., only certain suppliers for buns, sauces, or drinks).

Check if you need cashless payment options (some festivals are card-only).

Summary – What You Need Before Trading

- Food Business Registration (if not already registered)

-Festival’s food trader requirements (check what they provide vs. what you need)

-Street Trading License (if not covered by the festival)

-Public Liability Insurance (£5m+ cover)
- Fire & Gas Safety (fire extinguisher, gas safety cert, PAT-tested electrics)
- Food Safety & Temperature Control (cool storage, probe thermometer, handwash station)
- Waste Management Plan

Use the points above to get started, let us know how it all goes.

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