Licence - Butchers Shop
The Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) (Butchers' Shops) Amendment Regulation 2000 introduced the need for certain retail premises to obtain an annual licence from their local authority. From 1 November 2000, it is a criminal offence to operate a butcher's shop without a licence.
Note - The requirement to have a licence from the local authority change from the 1st January 2006. The business will still need to meet the same standards set out below but will no longer need a licence.
Premises that wish to sell unwrapped raw meat together with ready-to-eat food must have a licence from the Environmental Health Team
Typically this means most retail butchers' shops, mobile shops, market stalls grocers or supermarkets containing a butchery counter.
In order to obtain a licence the premises themself and the systems and practices that the trader utilises must meet minimum hygiene and safety standards.
Licence conditions
There are three main conditions required for the licence:
- Compliance with food law.
- Formal training of all staff. Minimum qualification of the Foundation Certificate in Food Hygiene (or equivalent) for all staff and at least one member of staff who will normally be the on-site supervisor, with at least Intermediate or level 2 Food Hygiene training or the Meat and Livestock Commission 's Meat Manager's Hygiene and HACCP course.
- Operation of fully documented Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point food safety management system.
New Butchers Shops
Please contact the Environmental health Team for advice on the current requirements
Trading without a licence
It is illegal to trade without a licence. The Council has the power to prosecute anyone trading unlawfully without a licence or in breach of their licence. Upon conviction, the Court may impose a fine of up to £5,000 plus legal costs.
The Law
Food Safety (General Food Hygiene)(Butcher's Shops) Amendment Regulations 2000 These can be accessed on line at the Office of Public Sector Information website
Further Information
Further information on Butchers Licensing, food hygiene and the changes in food law can be found at the Food Standards Agency website.
Page updated: 5 Sep 2008