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Butchers' Shop Licensing

Shops selling raw meat and ready to eat foods, (including pre-packed ready to eat foods) are required to be licensed.

There are few exemptions to this requirement, however if you are in doubt contact the City Help Desk or the Duty Officer who will be able to advise you.

If a license is required you will be provided with an application form and a self-assessment questionnaire which will indicate whether you and your premises comply with the requirements of the legislation.

On receipt of the application form and the £100 licence fee you will receive a visit from an officer who will carry out a thorough inspection of your premises and the processes carried out.

In order to obtain a licence the premises must comply fully with hygiene legislation, all staff members must be trained to level 1 (basic level) and one member of staff employed on the premises must be trained to level 2 and/or have sufficient training to enable a fully documented HACCP system to be implemented.

Detailed records will be required to be maintained.

The licence will be awarded for a year and there are severe penalties for operating an unlicensed butchers shop (as defined in this legislation).