This section provides information about butchers shop licences and an application form for download.
Under the Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) (Butchers' Shops) Amendment Regulations 2000, premises that wish to sell unwrapped raw meat together with ready-to-eat food must have a licence from the Council.
It is a criminal offence to sell such foods without a licence.
Licence Conditions
There are four conditions that must be met for a licence to be issued:
- Compliance with the standard food hygiene regulations as well as the temperature control regulations.
- Formal food hygiene training of all staff. The business supervisor/manager must have an intermediate (or level 2 Food Hygiene Training or above) or the Meat and Livestock Commission's Meat Manager's Hygiene and HACCP* qualification. All other food handlers must have the minimum hygiene qualification - a Foundation Certificate in food hygiene (or equivalent depending on the issuing organisation.
- Operation of a fully documented food safety management system based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points.
- Record Keeping: The Regulations require that certain records must be kept relating to staff training and the food safety management system.
*HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points and is a systematic approach to identifying potential problems and setting up control measures to ensure food safety and good hygiene.
When and How to Apply for a Licence
A completed application form must be submitted at least 28 days before the licence is required. i.e. 28 days before an existing licence expires or before you wish to start trading.
A fee will be payable on application. - Please contact Technical Services for current fee.
Trading Without a Licence
It is illegal to trade without a licence. The Council has the power to prosecute anyone trading unlawfully with 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)(Butchers' Shops) Amendment Regulations 2000 (external website).
Licensing of Butchers' Shops Guidance Notes - 2nd edition (external website). Much of this may be found at Food Standards Agency
The licence application form may be downloaded: Licensing A Butchers Shop.
or you may request a copy from the Technical Services Department: email: techservices@scilly.gov.uk; tel: 01720 424025.
