To operate a Food and Drink business within Fife, you need to be a license holder. In this section, we will provide you with the necessary steps you have to consider.
Before a licence is granted and depending on the licence, you will probably need to meet several conditions, and an inspection of premises or practices may be required. For some licences, a fee is applicable.
Alcohol
The Fife Licensing Board determines licenses applications. You must be over 18 and will need a recognised, accredited training certificate for Personal Licence holders and to apply to Fife Licensing Board for a Personal Licence if you wish to:
- authorise or supervise the sale of alcohol in licensed premises
- be a nominated premises manager
A Premises licence is required for premises where the sale of alcohol is part of the business. An application can be made by an individual over the age of 18, a company or an organisation involved in the sale of alcohol. Premises licences are transferable and remain in force with no time limit, subject to the payment of an annual fee. Failure to pay the annual fee may result in the loss of the licence.
If you wish to sell alcohol from premises that is not already licensed, you will need to apply for an Occasional licence. You can apply online
Late Hours Catering
A Late Hours Catering licence is required for the use of premises between the hours of 11.00 p.m. and 5.00 a.m. for the sale to or consumption by the public of meals or refreshments. A Late Hours catering licence is NOT required with respect of:
- use as such of licensed premises
- premises being used in accordance with a Public Entertainment Licence
You can apply online here.
Market Operators licence
You need a Market Operator’s licence for carrying on a private market. The licence is for the OPERATOR of the market and not the individual stallholder.
A Market Operator’s licence is not required for:
- functions held by charitable, religious, youth, recreational, community, political or similar organisations
- markets held for the sale of livestock, fodder or grain
You can apply online for a 1-year or 3-year licence.
Street Trader Licence
A Street Trader’s Licence is required for each individual whether on their own account or as an employee who is selling, offering or exposing for sale any article in a public place. A licence is also required for any individual offering to carry out a service for money or money’s worth. You can apply online here.
Venison Dealer Licence
Anybody who deals in Venison in Scotland must be licensed. It is an offence for any person to sell, offer or expose for sale Venison unless they have a license. The licence issued will be valid for 1 year or 3 years dependent on the application type selected. You can apply online
Resources: Further email advice is available at [email protected]
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