Licenses Needed for Bubble Tea Shops in the UK (2026 Complete Guide)

This guide is based on the latest 2026 updates from GOV.UK and the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA).

1. Essential Requirements (Mandatory)

• All food-related businesses must register with their local council
• Applies to selling, preparing, storing, or distributing food
• Must be completed at least 28 days before opening

2. Food Safety & Hygiene Compliance

It includes:

• Safe food storage and preparation
• Preventing cross-contamination
• Temperature control (hot & cold)
• Staff hygiene practices

3. Business Registration

You must legally register your business structure:

Sole Trader
Limited Company

4. Licenses Depending on Your Business Model

Planning Permission

You may need this if you:

Change the use of a property (e.g., retail → food service)
Make structural alterations

Approval must be obtained from your local council.

Street Trading Licence

Required if you operate:

• A street stall
• A food truck
• A takeaway window

This is issued by your local authority.

Premises Licence (Alcohol)

Only needed if you sell Alcoholic beverages (e.g., alcoholic bubble tea)

2026 Newest Updates to Be Aware Of Soft Drinks Industry Levy (Sugar Tax)

You may be liable if you Manufacture drinks or Import syrups or concentrates.

However, most bubble tea shops preparing drinks on-site are not directly affected.

References:

UK Government (GOV.UK). (2026). Register a food business.
Available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/food-business-registration
UK Government (GOV.UK). (2026). Check if your drink is liable for the Soft Drinks Industry Levy.
Available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-your-drink-is-liable-for-the-soft-drinks-industry-levy
Food Standards Agency (FSA). (2026). Food hygiene for your business.
Available at: https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/food-hygiene-for-your-business