Street food trading is more regulated than many new traders expect. Understanding the legal framework before you trade is essential — ignorance is not a defence when an Environmental Health Officer visits your stall.

Industry Data: The key legislation governing UK street food traders includes: the Food Safety Act 1990 (general food safety obligations); the Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006 (HACCP, temperature control, hygiene); the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 (street trading licences and consents); and the Road Traffic Act 1988 (if operating from a vehicle).

Street trading licence fees vary enormously by council. Manchester charges £720 for a street trader licence; Westminster uses a complex fee structure with separate pitch costs; Greenwich charges up to £7,950 for some locations (StreetComply, 2026). Always check the specific requirements of every council you plan to trade in.

In addition to licences, you must comply with allergen labelling law (EU FIC 2014), the Weights and Measures Act 1985 (accurate portion descriptions), and the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (accurate description of your food).

References & Further Reading

  • StreetComply (2026): Street Trading Licence Costs UK — streetcomply.co.uk
  • Food Standards Agency: Food Business Legislation — food.gov.uk
  • Gov.uk: Street Trading Consent — gov.uk
  • NCASS: Legal Requirements for Mobile Caterers — ncass.org.uk