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Registration

Most food premises in Portsmouth are required by law to be registered.  The purpose of registration is to provide the City Council with the information it needs to plan inspections and target enforcement resources effectively, so that premises which pose a high risk to health are inspected more frequently.  It also allows the City Council to keep an up-to-date list of all those premises in their area.

Who needs to register?

If you run a food business for more than 5 days in any 5 consequence weeks, you must advise Portsmouth City Council about any premises you use for storing, selling, distributing or preparing food.  Food premises includes restaurants, hotels, cafes, shops, supermarkets, staff canteens, food warehouses, guest houses, delivery vehicles, market and other stalls, hot dog and ice cream vans, etc.

If you use vehicles for your food business in connection with permanent premises such as a shop or warehouse, you only need to tell the local authority how many vehicles you have.  You do not need to register each vehicle separately.  If you have one or more vehicles but no permanent premises, you must tell the authority where they are normally kept.

When do I need to register?

Anyone starting a new food business must register with the local authority at least 28 days before trading.

How do I register?

Registration cannot be refused and there is no charge.  Registration forms can be obtained from Public Protection Service at Portsmouth City Council by contacting the City Helpdesk on 023 9283 4253 or by email: cityhelpdesk@portsmouthcc.gov.uk  

If you have premises in more than one local authority area, you must register with each authority separately.