Procedure
Apply via Agent
Apply In-Person:
- To Apply for Coffee Shop License, the applicant must approach their respective Local Council in Scotland link
Note: The applicant must select their Local council from the drop-down menu.
- An application form will be provided to the applicant by the concerned officer.
- The applicant must fill in all the necessary details in the application form. (Incomplete applications are not accepted)
- Make sure that the applicant has attached all the necessary documents that are mentioned in the “Required Documents” section of this page.
- The applicant must attach the photocopies of the required documents along with the application form while submitting.
- Submit all the documents with the completed form to the concerned officer.
- The applicant must pay the prescribed fee as requested by the authority.
- After receiving the application, the concerned authority will check the submitted application and document set. If all are in place, the application will be accepted.
- All applications are processed within a reasonable time, having regard to the circumstances of each application, including the completeness of information and documents submitted to the authority by the applicant.
- The authority may seek additional information from an applicant if this is necessary to assess the application. The authority does not need to deal further with an application until the applicant has provided this additional information.
- The local authority will assess your application and decide whether to grant you a license. Also, the local council will inspect the premises regarding the safety standards.
- Once the application meets all the eligibility requirements the authority will issue the license.
- This entire process can be completed within 15 - 30 days or as per the timeline advised by the respective department authority.
Note: It’s a criminal offence to run unapproved food premises and you can be prosecuted for doing so.
Required Documents
- A completed application forms
- Proof of identity such as passport, driving license, or other government-issued ID.
- Proof of address such as utility bill, council tax bill, or other document that shows your current address.
- Plan of premises: This should show the layout of your premises, including the kitchen, storage areas, and toilets.
- Food safety risk assessment: This is a document that identifies and assesses the potential risks to food safety in your business.
- Training certificates: If you or your staff have received any food safety training, you will need to provide copies of the certificates.
- Other documents: Your local authority may also require you to provide other documents, such as a copy of your business plan or a letter of support from a trade association.
Office Locations & Contacts
SCOTLAND LOCAL COUNCIL
Scottish Government Licensing Team
Area GW14
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
Local Council – link
Note: The applicant must select their Local council from the drop-down menu.
Eligibility
The eligibility to apply for Coffee Shop License also varies depending on the local council. However, some general eligibility criteria include:
- The applicant must be over the age of 18 and has a good character.
- The applicant must have a suitable premises. The premises must be clean, safe, and have adequate ventilation.
- The applicant must comply with all relevant food safety and hygiene regulations.
- The applicant must not have been convicted of any serious offences, such as fraud, violence, or drug trafficking.
Fees
- The applicant must pay the prescribed fee as requested by the authority. The fee may vary depending on the local council. Because each council has their own set of rules and regulations.
Validity
- The validity period of a Coffee shop license is typically three to five years. The validity may vary depending on the local council. Because each council has their own set of rules and regulations.
Documents to Use
Please attach documents that can be used by people. e.g. links
Sample Documents
Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.
Processing Time
- This entire process can be completed within 15 -30 days or as per the timeline advised by the respective department authority.
Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications.
Attach videos using the following tag <&video type='website'>video ID|width|height<&/video&> from external websites.
Please remove the '&' inside the tags during implementation.
Website = allocine, blip, dailymotion, facebook, gametrailers, googlevideo, html5, metacafe, myspace, revver,
sevenload, viddler, vimeo, youku, youtube
width = 560, height = 340, Video ID = Can be obtained from the URL of webpage where the video is displayed.
e.g In the following url 'http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0US7oR_t3M' Video ID is 'Y0US7oR_t3M'.
Instructions
- Applicants must complete the application form before submitting it. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
- Applicants must provide genuine information while applying for this procedure.
Required Information
- Name of the local council
- Name of the applicant
- Address
- Email
- Telephone
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Name of the premises
- Address
- Details of equipment
- Details of food
Need for the Document
- A Coffee shop license in Scotland is a legal requirement for businesses that prepare, cook, store, handle, distribute, supply, or sell food. The license is issued by the local authority and is designed to ensure that food businesses meet the required standards of food safety.
Registration applies to all types of food businesses, including those that:
- Grow food
- Produce food
- Cook food
- Sell food
- Store or handle food
Distribute food - business involved with distribution or food supply should also register as food businesses, even if no food is kept at the premises
- For more information – link
Other uses of the Document/Certificate
Please explain what are other uses of obtaining this document/certificate.
e.g. Birth Certificate can be used as proof of identity.
External Links
Others
Conditions
The applicant does not need to be approved if they sell direct to the public or retailers like caterers, pubs, and restaurants, as long as:
- Food is less than 25% of your trade
- The applicant does not handle any wild game meat products
- The applicant does not sell food outside the county your business is registered in