Do you need a burger van license in the UK?

Do you need a licence for a burger van?

Quick answer (optimised for featured snippet):

There is no single “burger van licence” in the UK. Instead, most mobile catering businesses need a combination of:

• Food business registration

• A street trading licence or permission (depending on location)

• Food hygiene certification

• Appropriate insurance

The exact requirements depend on where you trade and how your business operates.

Why there isn’t a single licence

In the UK, burger vans fall under the wider category of mobile catering or street food businesses. Because of this, they are governed by several different regulatory areas rather than one central licence.

These include:

• Food safety regulations

• Local council permissions

• Health and safety rules

• Tax and business registration

This means that instead of applying for one licence, you must meet a set of requirements before trading legally.

The key legal requirements for burger vans

Food business registration (legal requirement)

Before you can start trading, you must register your food business with your local authority.

This applies to:

• Burger vans

• Food trucks

• Catering trailers

• Market stalls and temporary setups

Registration must be completed at least 28 days before trading, and it is free of charge.

You will typically register with the council where your vehicle is stored overnight.

Why it matters:

This allows Environmental Health Officers to inspect your setup and ensure food safety standards are being followed.

Street trading licence or consent

If you plan to trade on public land, such as:

• Streets

• Pavements

• Public car parks

• Council-owned spaces

You will usually need a street trading licence or council consent.

Local authorities control this process, and rules can vary significantly depending on location.

Some key points:

• Each council sets its own fees and conditions

• You may need a separate licence for each area

• Some locations restrict or prohibit street trading

Trading without the appropriate licence can result in fines. Read more about insurance requirements for traders on our mobile catering insurance hub.

Trading on private land

If you operate your burger van on private land, such as:

• Events or festivals

• Business premises

• Private car parks

You may not need a street trading licence, but you will typically need:

• Permission from the landowner

• Compliance with food safety regulations

• Evidence of insurance

Some councils may still require notification or inspection.

Food hygiene and safety requirements

Food safety is a central part of running a burger van.

Food hygiene certification

Anyone handling food should have appropriate training. Many caterers hold at least:

• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

• Higher-level certification for supervisors or owners

This demonstrates an understanding of:

• Safe food storage

• Preventing cross-contamination

• Cleaning procedures

• Temperature control

Food hygiene inspections

Once registered, your business may be inspected by Environmental Health Officers.

You will receive a Food Hygiene Rating based on:

• Cleanliness

• Food handling practices

• Safety procedures

This rating is often visible to customers and may be required by event organisers.

Food safety management (HACCP)

Burger van operators are expected to have a food safety management system, often based on HACCP principles.

This outlines:

• Potential food safety risks

• Steps to control those risks

• Safe preparation and storage processes

Other requirements for burger vans

While licences and registrations are essential, there are additional areas to consider.

Insurance cover

Although not always a legal requirement, insurance is usually expected in practice.

Many councils and event organisers require:

• Public liability insurance

• Employers’ liability insurance (if you have staff)

These policies help protect your business against claims from customers or employees. Explore liability insurance for catering businesses.

Vehicle and equipment safety

If your burger van uses gas or electrical equipment, additional safety requirements apply.

These may include:

• Gas safety certification

• Electrical testing (such as PAT testing)

• Fire safety precautions

These checks help ensure your setup is safe for both staff and customers.

Registering your business with HMRC

You must also register your business for tax purposes.

This typically involves:

• Registering as a sole trader or limited company

• Keeping financial records

• Filing tax returns

What licences do burger van owners typically need?

To summarise, most mobile caterers will need:

• Food business registration (required by law)

• Street trading licence (if operating in public spaces)

• Food hygiene certification

• Insurance (often required by councils and organisers)

Additional certification may be needed depending on your setup, such as gas or electrical safety.

Can you run a burger van without a licence?

In some cases, you may not need a street trading licence, particularly if:

• You trade only on private land with permission

• You operate at events where the organiser manages permissions

However, you still must meet legal requirements such as:

• Food business registration

• Food safety compliance

Without these, you cannot trade legally.

Common mistakes to avoid

When starting a burger van, some common issues include:

• Not registering the business early enough

• Assuming one licence covers all locations

• Overlooking local council rules

• Failing to meet hygiene requirements

Understanding these requirements in advance can help avoid delays or penalties.

Conclusion