How to Start a Food Truck or Coffee Van in the UK (2026)
Mobile catering is one of the most accessible food businesses — no premises lease, lower startup cost. But it has two requirements fixed sites don't: a street trading licence for where you trade (separate for every council), and gas safety certification for your LPG cooking equipment. This guide covers every step in order.
Step 1 — Register your food business (28 days before trading)
Register with the council where your van is based/prepped (your home or depot counts) at least 28 days before trading — free. A van is a valid food premises; an inspection follows.
Step 2 — Get a street trading licence or consent
To trade on a public highway you need permission from the council for each area you trade in. Streets are licensed (need a street trading licence), consent (need street trading consent), or prohibited (no trading). Trade across three councils and you'll need three permissions, each with its own fee. On private land or at events, the organiser's permission usually replaces this.
Step 3 — Gas and electrical safety
If you cook on LPG (most do), you need an annual commercial gas safety certificate (CP44) from a Gas Safe registered engineer qualified for LPG catering. Electrical equipment needs annual PAT testing. Store gas bottles safely (vented, external compartment).
Step 4 — Hygiene, insurance and waste
Level 2 Food Hygiene training, allergen information (Natasha's Law for prepacked-for-direct-sale), public liability insurance (councils and events typically require £5m), a fire risk assessment (extinguisher + blanket on board), and a commercial waste contract.
Step 5 — Structure and tax
Register with HMRC (and Companies House for a company) within 3 months, a business bank account, and VAT over £90,000 (hot food is usually standard-rated).
Mobile catering requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Needed? |
|---|---|
| Food business registration | ✅ Free, 28 days before trading |
| Street trading licence / consent | ✅ Per council, for public-highway pitches |
| LPG gas safety certificate (CP44) | ✅ If you cook on gas |
| PAT testing | ✅ Electrical equipment, annually |
| Level 2 hygiene + allergens | ✅ Legal requirements |
| Public liability insurance (£5m) | ✅ Usually required by councils/events |
| Commercial waste contract | ✅ For trade waste |
| VAT registration | ✅ Once turnover > £90,000 |
Start your food truck or coffee van the easy way
Spark builds your exact mobile-catering checklist — food registration, the street trading licence for where you trade, the gas/LPG certificate, insurance and tax — in the right order. Free.
Build my free checklist →FAQ
Do I need a licence to sell from a van? You need a street trading licence or consent for public-highway pitches — separate for each council. Private land/events use the organiser's permission instead. Do I need a gas certificate? Yes if you cook on LPG — an annual CP44 from a Gas Safe registered engineer. Where do I register the food business? With the council where the van is based or food is prepped.
Last reviewed 2026. Confirm current rules on GOV.UK, your local council and Gas Safe before acting.