I would like to trade as a food business at markets or events in Hastings

The Council currently hosts and promotes some high profile events, Seafood & Wine, Herring Fair, Eat Global, Pirate Day, St Leonards Festival, Jack in the Green etc. These events are designed to promote local businesses and Hastings as a place to visit.

If you would like to trade at any events or in any public space within the borough you must first contact the Licensing Team to check if a street trading licence is required.

In order to trade as a food business at these events the following additional requirements apply:

Food Business Registration

A food business must be registered with the appropriate food authority, in the area in which the stocks of food are ordinarily kept.

You must provide the details of which local authority you are registered with, if different from Hastings Borough Council. You should provide us with:

• The name under which your business is registered & it's address:
• A business contact telephone number including the area code:
• Local authority name
• Local authority address & telephone number, including the area code.

Registration is the basis for all food businesses to receive an inspection from their local Authority. If the business is not registered then it will not have received a food hygiene inspection and therefore hygiene standards will not have been checked and verified by EH staff.

See our registration page to register your business.

Food Hygiene Rating Scheme

Hastings Borough Council has adopted the food hygiene rating scheme which aims to promote good hygienic businesses to the general public and therefore any food business with a food hygiene rating below 3 will not be permitted to trade at any council organised event.

A business with a rating of 3 is broadly compliant with food law. A business with O, 1 or 2 rating does not meet the minimum legal standard. 

If you are registered with an authority other than Hastings Borough Council evidence of your rating must be provided with your events application.

Food Hygiene Training

Food handlers must have received food hygiene training to a minimum standard of level 2 in Food Safety in Catering within the last 5 years. Copies of food hygiene certificates must be submitted with the application form.

Product Description (Food & Drink)

Full details of all food and drink products you intend to sell must be supplied. The production of these products must have been approved by the Local Authority with which you are registered.

You must specify all food and drink items you intend to sell.  Failure to notify us of all product details may prevent you being able to sell these products on the day.

Electrical Safety

Any electrical appliance must have undergone PAT testing and a current PAT test certificate must be supplied with the application form.

Please note that appliances purchased within the last twelve months may be exempt from this requirement proof of purchase will be required.

Gas Safety

Any gas appliance must have an LPG gas safety certificate issued within the last 12 months and must be supplied with this application form.

It is proposed that applications will only be accepted and processed with all the required documentation to avoid delays.

Exceptions

Please Note there may be some exceptions to the above requirements if the food being sold is pre-wrapped, low risk food, for example crisps, pre-wrapped confectionary, canned drinks. Some businesses may not require a food hygiene rating in these cases and Level 2 food hygiene training is not required.

If you are uncertain whether the above conditions apply you can contact us online.