Coffee Van on Private Land


(uk, surrey)


I have a mobile van out of which I plan to sell coffees and cake (moving multiple times in the day).

I have permission from the owners of a (privately owned) green space to trade on their land.

(1) What other certificates and permits will I need, please?

(2) Would the requirements be different if the venue already provided their own food/drink offering in fixed premises on the same site?

(3) Are the requirements different if the venue do/do not charge an entry fee?

Thanks so much

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Mar 25, 2025
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by: MobCater

You're on the right track getting permission from the landowner! Here’s what you’ll need to trade legally:

1. Certificates & Permits You'll Need:

- Food Business Registration – You must register with your local council at least 28 days before trading. It’s free and done online.

- Food Hygiene Certificate – Not a legal must-have, but you (and any staff) should have at least a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate to prove safe handling of food and drinks.

- Gas & Electrical Safety Certificates – If you use LPG (bottled gas) or electrics, they must be tested by a qualified engineer. You need:

Gas Safety Certificate (CP44 for catering)

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) for electrical items

- Public Liability Insurance – Essential in case of accidents (hot drinks, slips, etc.). Minimum £5 million cover is standard.

- Risk Assessment – You should do a basic risk assessment and have a written Food Safety Management System (FSMS) like Safer Food, Better Business (SFBB) to show how you keep food safe.

- Street Trading Licence (maybe) – Since you're on private land, you don’t usually need a street trading licence. But some councils still require one, even on private property, so check with your local authority.

- Waste Disposal Arrangements – You need a plan for rubbish (bins for customers and proper waste disposal). Some councils ask for a Waste Carrier Licence if you transport waste away.

2. Does It Matter If the Venue Has Its Own Food/Drink Offering?
Not legally, but commercial agreements might apply. Some venues don’t allow external traders if they already sell food and drink. Always double-check with the venue owner.

If the venue has a leaseholder or tenant (like a café inside a park), they might have exclusive rights to sell food and drink. It’s best to get written permission from the venue owner to avoid problems.

3. Does It Matter If the Venue Charges an Entry Fee?
Not for legal food safety rules, but there are some possible differences:

If the venue charges entry and you’re inside their event, they might need to include you under their licence (e.g., if they already have a premises licence for alcohol or entertainment).

If you’re outside their paid area, your setup is the same as normal private land trading.

Final Tip:

Before starting, ring up your local Environmental Health Officer (EHO) at the council and let them know your plan. They will check your setup and advise you on anything extra you might need.

Hope this helps – let me know if you need more details!

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