When you're a "food business"
UK food law looks at substance, not labels: if you supply food with some regularity and organisation: even from your own kitchen, even if the ticket technically pays for "the evening". You may count as a food business. One-off bake sales don't; a monthly paid supper club very likely does.
Registration is free and simple
- Register with your local council (not a licence: they can't say no) at least 28 days before you start.
- An Environmental Health Officer may visit and give you a hygiene rating: which is marketing gold when it's a 5.
- The FSA's Safer Food, Better Business pack is the standard playbook for home kitchens.
Allergens: the part to take seriously
Whatever your setup: cooked from scratch or ordered in know the 14 major allergens in what you serve, and tell guests clearly. Ask about allergies when guests book (your event questions are a good place), and keep labels/receipts of ingredients so you can answer honestly.
Ordering food in?
If you're serving food a caterer or restaurant made, the cooking compliance sits with them, but communicating allergens to your guests is still on you as the host.
This is general guidance for UK hosts, not legal, tax or insurance advice. Rules change and edge cases are real. Check GOV.UK or a professional for your situation. Wello connects hosts and guests; hosts run their own events and are responsible for following the laws that apply to them.