If you’re planning to open a restaurant in the UK, you’ll need to go through various licensing procedures—especially if you plan to serve food and alcohol. Based on my personal experience helping launch a high-end small restaurant in London (as of July 2023), I’d like to share the key licenses and procedures you’ll need to be aware of.
Note: Regulations may change over time. Please always refer to the official government websites or consult with professionals for the most up-to-date information.
This guide includes two types of licenses:
- Licenses that individuals (at least one staff member) must obtain.
- Licenses that the business (premises) must apply for.
Also, note that licensing levels in the UK are typically structured as Level 2 (intermediate) and Level 3 (advanced), depending on the field.
Licenses Acquired Personally (Individual Requirements)
- Food Allergy and Intolerance Training (Mar 2023)
- Personal Licence (Feb 2023)
- HACCP Level 3 (Jan 2023)
- Fire Marshal Training (Jan 8, 2023)
- Emergency First Aid at Work (Jan 3, 2023)
- Food Safety & Hygiene Level 3 (Dec 29, 2022)
- Alcohol Licence Level 2 (Dec 20, 2022)
The most difficult to obtain is the Premises Licence, which requires someone in your team to hold a Personal Licence. Without it, you cannot legally apply for a Premises Licence and therefore cannot sell alcohol.
The entire process of obtaining the necessary individual licenses took around 3–4 months. Here’s how I obtained the Personal Licence:
How to Get a Personal Licence in the UK
You’ll need:
- A certificate for Alcohol Licence Level 2 (APLH)
- A basic DBS check (criminal record certificate)
- Two passport-sized photos
- Completed application form
- Proof of payment for the application fee
Since I am a migrant, I also attached a copy of my residence permit and visa page from my passport.
🔗 UK Gov Guide on Alcohol Licensing – Personal Licence
Although the training centre offered to handle the application for £120, I opted to do it myself.
Step-by-Step: Personal Licence Application
1. Alcohol Licence Level 2 (APLH Certificate)
I took the online course (£110). Any certified provider will do. After about 2 hours of self-study, I passed the test on the first try via webcam.
2. DBS Check (Criminal Record Certificate)
Apply here:
🔗 https://www.gov.uk/request-copy-criminal-record
It took about a week to receive it by post.
3. Passport Photos
Standard passport-sized ID photos are fine.
4. Application Form
Get the form from your local council. For example:
🔗 Westminster Council Personal Licence Application
5. Payment Proof
The application fee is £37, paid to your local council. Contact your council for exact payment methods.
Mail all documents in one envelope to your local licensing authority.
It took exactly 40 days for my Personal Licence card to arrive.
Other Required Training & Certifications
Food Safety & Hygiene Level 3
Mandatory for HACCP compliance.
I took this online course for £33 total (course + certificate).
🔗 Eversley Training – Food Hygiene Level 3
Emergency First Aid at Work
At least one certified person must be present on-site.
I completed a 1-day training for £132.
Fire Marshal Training
Required for fire safety and HACCP checks.
I took this online training for £90, also with Siren Training.
Completed in approx. 3 hours.
HACCP Level 3
Not mandatory but highly recommended.
Cost: £15.59
Self-study with a short test at the end.
Food Allergy and Intolerance Training
Free online course, ideal for kitchen managers and staff.
Takes about 45 minutes.
Licences the Restaurant (Business) Must Obtain
- Food Business Registration Required to register your food business with your local council. 🔗 Register a Food Business
- Food Premises Approval If you’re handling meat, dairy, or other specific food types. 🔗 Apply for Food Premises Approval
- Restaurant Insurance Mandatory for business operations. Includes public liability, employer’s liability, etc.
- Pest Control Compliance Monthly inspections required. 🔗 Pest Control – Westminster Council
- Premises Licence (Alcohol Sales) The most complex licence. Must be applied for with a Personal Licence holder. Takes 40–60 days and may require a solicitor, especially in busy areas.
- Music Licence Needed to play music in your venue. Fees vary by venue size. An agent will visit to assess the space before charging annual fees.
- Pavement Licence For placing signs, menus, or tables outside. Requires proof of insurance and your business registration certificate.
Final Notes
While I personally acquired most of these licences within one week, completing all paperwork and procedures took several months. It’s also worth noting that covering all licence costs requires a decent budget.
Many more procedures are involved in opening a restaurant (e.g. interior design, staff contracts), but without licences, you can’t begin any operations. This checklist should be your starting point.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Japan and am fully fluent in English.
You must have a valid visa that permits you to work in the UK. I entered the UK under the YMS (Tier 5) visa scheme.
Need Help?
For detailed support, legal referrals, or consultation on setting up a restaurant in the UK, feel free to contact us. We also offer research, consultancy, and interviews for restaurant businesses in the UK.
📧 info@a-digitalworks.com
Written by Ayaka Uchida, CEO of A-Digital Works Ltd.
