Searching for a coffee shop license in the United Kingdom? Register your food business with your local council at least 28 days before trading; mandatory and free. Licensing then depends on your model: if you don’t sell alcohol and close before 23:00, you don’t need a premises licence; serving hot food or drink between 23:00–05:00 requires a Premises Licence authorising Late Night Refreshment (or a Temporary Event Notice for occasional nights); selling alcohol requires a Premises Licence plus a Designated Premises Supervisor with a Personal Licence. Confirm planning: the site should be Use Class E; a change of use, extract flues, or shopfront works may need consent; outdoor tables need a Pavement Licence. Put safety systems in place: a documented HACCP (e.g., Safer Food Better Business), Level 2 food hygiene training, allergen control including Natasha’s Law for PPDS, temperature checks (chilled ≤8°C, hot holding ≥63°C), a dedicated handwash basin, and pest-proofing. Complete risk controls: fire risk assessment, pressure system inspection for espresso boilers (PSSR), annual gas safety, PAT, Legionella measures, a trade waste contract, grease/fat controls, and Employer’s Liability Insurance. Also register for HMRC, confirm business rates, obtain a PPL PRS music licence, and prepare for Food Hygiene Rating inspection.
