MobCater

16/05/2026

What Is the VAT Rate on Catering Vans?

I want to buy a catering van but I'm not sure about the VAT situation. Do I have to pay VAT on a van purchase?

This is a really common question and the answer catches a lot of people out. The short version is that a brand new van will have VAT on it, but most second-hand sales between private sellers won't. Where it gets interesting is when you start trading and whether you need to register for VAT yourself.

I've written a straightforward guide explaining what you need to know about VAT when buying and running a catering van.

Full answer here:

What is the VAT rate on used catering vans?

12/05/2026

How Do I Store Chilled and Frozen Food Overnight for My Catering Van?

What are the rules for storing chilled and frozen food overnight when you have a mobile catering business?

This is one of those questions the EHO will definitely ask you, so it's worth getting sorted from day one. The short version: cold food below 8°C, frozen food at minus 18°C, and keep it separate from your family fridge. I keep my stock in a dedicated fridge at home and log the temperature every morning. Takes 30 seconds and it's exactly what the inspector wants to see.

I've written up the full breakdown of what you need to do.

Full answer here:

is it safe to remove power overnight from fridges and freezers with chilled/frozen food in them?

10/05/2026

Can I Use a Motorhome as a Mobile Catering Unit?

Can I convert a motorhome and use it for mobile catering?

I get this one a lot, and the answer is yes, you absolutely can. The EHO doesn't care what type of vehicle you use. They care about what's inside it. As long as you've got the right surfaces, the right sinks, proper ventilation, and a gas setup done by a Gas Safe engineer, a motorhome can work really well. The bonus is they often come with water tanks and power systems already fitted.

I've covered everything you need to know before you start the conversion.

Full answer here:
https://www.mobcater.co.uk/can-i-use-a-motorhome-as-a-mobile-catering-unit.html

07/05/2026

Buying a Mobile Catering Van: Where Do I Start?

I want to set up a mobile catering van but I don't know where to start. What should I be looking for?

Dan asked this one — and honestly it's one of the best questions to ask before you spend any money. There's a lot to think about before you even look at a van, from what you're going to serve to how much you can realistically afford. Get this bit right and the rest falls into place.

I've put together a full guide covering everything you need to know before buying your first van.

Full answer here:

Afternoon All, I'm looking to set up a mobile catering van selling a range of ice cream, smoothies, coffees, etc. I'm torn between getting an old ice

04/05/2026

Should I Set Up a Permanent Pitch or Stay Mobile?

Is it better to find a permanent pitch or keep moving around to different locations?

Great dilemma, and one I wrestled with myself when I was starting out. I got chased off my first pitch by a security guard, moved down the road, and ended up somewhere much better. That's the beauty of staying mobile early on. But once you find a spot that works, there's real value in being there every day so your regulars know where to find you.

I've shared what worked for me and how to figure out the right approach for your situation.

Full answer here:

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01/05/2026

Is There Any Restriction on What Fuel I Can Use in a Catering Van?

Are there rules about what type of fuel or gas I can use for cooking in my catering van?

This is a really important one to get right. Propane is the industry standard for mobile catering in the UK, and there are good reasons for that. It works in cold weather, burns hot enough for commercial cooking, and it's what the regulations are built around. But there are strict rules about how it's installed, and some event venues won't let you use gas at all.

I've covered the full picture, including what the Gas Safe Register requires.

Full answer here:

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28/04/2026

How Do I Convert a Van Into a Catering Van?

I want to convert a van into a mobile catering unit. Where do I start and what do I need?

This comes up all the time, and I love this question because converting your own van is one of the smartest ways to get started on a budget. I've done it a few times myself. I once bought a trailer for £750, did it up, got it professionally signed, and sold it years later for £8,500. The key is getting the layout right for your menu before you start ripping anything out.

I've written up exactly what you need to know, from the EHO requirements to the gas safety rules.

Full answer here:

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25/04/2026

Do I Need Planning Permission for a Mobile Catering Van?

Do I need planning permission to run a mobile catering business?

This one depends entirely on where you're setting up. Trading on a public street? No planning permission — you need a Street Trading Licence instead. On someone's private land like a car park or industrial estate? Usually no planning permission, just the owner's say-so.

From your own driveway? That's where it gets tricky — most councils will say yes, you need it, and many will turn you down.

The golden rule is this: if you're mobile and pack up at the end of the day, you're far less likely to need planning permission. If you're staying put permanently, it's a different story.

I've written a simple guide breaking down every scenario so you know exactly where you stand.

Full answer here:

Liz asked: I own land which has a farm shop and mini industrial site. I want to put a mobile catering van on the land to serve our customers and workers

22/04/2026

Do You Need a Licence to Sell Coffee in the Street?

Do I need a licence to sell coffee in the street?

This is a big one for anyone looking at starting a coffee cart or drinks-only setup. The short answer is yes — you need a Street Trading Licence or Consent from your local council.

But here's the thing most people don't realise. Every council puts their streets into three categories: licence streets, consent streets, and prohibited streets. So the first thing to check is whether your dream spot even allows trading at all.

And if the council paperwork feels like too much, there's a quicker option — trade on private land instead. A car park, an office estate, outside a shop with the owner's permission. No street trading licence needed.

I've written the full breakdown covering costs, what you need, and how to find the right spot.

Full answer here:

i work in construction so i have ignorance on my side :- to sell coffee or tea from a back pack do i need any food or hygiene qualifications other than

19/04/2026

What Certificates Do I Need for a Mobile Food Cart?

What certificates do I need for my cart?

This is one of those questions that sounds complicated but really isn't. Whether you're running a coffee cart, a hot dog cart, or a sweet cart, you basically need the same five things. The first two are free or cost about twenty quid, and you can sort them in an afternoon.

The hardest part isn't getting the certificates — it's knowing which ones you actually need. Once you've got that list, you can tick them off in a couple of weeks.

I've put together the full list with costs and where to get each one.

Full answer here:

Alex asked: I am starting a sweet cart business providing sweets only. Do I need certificates as I am handling the food? Hiya Alex, good question — and

16/04/2026

Can I Set Up a Catering Van on My Drive?

Can I set up a catering van on my driveway and sell food from home?

This one comes up more than you'd think. The short answer is: it depends on your council, but usually it's not straightforward. Your home is in a residential zone, so cooking and selling food with customers coming and going could count as a "change of use" — and that means planning permission.

But here's the thing most people don't realise — parking your van on the drive and prepping food before heading to your pitch? That's usually fine.

I've written up the full answer covering what your council will say, what you can and can't do, and some better alternatives.

Full answer here:

I have been given a mobile catering van by a friend (on my request) because she wasn't using it. I have a car drive that would fit it on and then face

13/04/2026

What Licence Do I Need for a Burger Van?

If I buy a burger van, what licence do I need and who do I talk to about getting permission?

Mark from Cambridgeshire asked this — and it's probably the number one question I get. The good news is there's no single "burger van licence." You need about 5 different things, and none of them are that hard to get once you know what they are.

I've written a simple guide covering exactly what you need and who to talk to first.

Full answer here:

Mark asked: If I buy a burger van what licence do I need and who do I talk to about getting permission? Hiya Mark, great question — this is probably the

10/04/2026

Licence for a Catering Trailer

Do you need a licence for a catering trailer?

Naci from London asked a straightforward question — do you actually need a licence to operate a catering trailer?

Short answer: yes, but it depends on where you're trading. We explain the difference between street trading licences, consent streets, and trading on private land.

Full answer here:

hi I would like to know if I need to have a licence for catering trailer? kind regards naci

09/04/2026

Mobile Bar Van at Events

What permits do you need for a mobile bar van?
Andrea and her business partner in East London want to convert a van into a bar for weddings, festivals and private parties — selling alcohol and drinks only, no food.

Selling alcohol from a mobile unit brings its own set of rules. We cover what licences you need and where to apply.
Full answer here:

Me and my business partener would like to buy a van, turn it into a bar and provide services at private events,weddings, festival, parties exc..we will

08/04/2026

Roadside Catering in London

Which London borough gives permission for roadside catering?
Eszter from London wants to sell sandwiches, coffee and snacks from the roadside and asked which boroughs actually allow it.

If you're thinking about street food in London, every borough is different — and some are much easier to deal with than others.

Full answer here:

I am planing to set up mobile catering business trading on road side such as sandwiches, drink, coffe and snacks. Is anyone can help which borough/council

07/04/2026

Gloss Paint in a Food Trailer and Towing Limits

Can you use gloss paint inside a food trailer? And what can you legally tow?

Julie from Fleetwood had two quick questions — one about painting the inside of her trailer, and one about towing weight limits on a standard driving licence.

Two things that trip a lot of people up. Worth knowing before you get started.

Full answer here:

Hi Could I gloss inside my food trailer. Also i have had my licence for 10 years what is the legal weight that i can tow on. Thanks

06/04/2026

Tea and Cake Shop at a Garden Centre

Can you open a tea and cake shop on rented land?
Vic from Derbyshire runs a garden centre with his brother and they've had loads of customers asking about a tea, coffee and cake shop on site. They've got planning permission for the garden centre already — but does that cover a food operation too?

We break down what they need to know.

Full answer here:

My brother and I run our own garden centre from a piece of land we rent from somebody we know. We got planning permission for it from the council six months

05/04/2026

Certificates for Festival Catering

What certificates do you need to cater at a festival?

Eluned from Bangor in North Wales wants to serve jacket potatoes at festivals and asked what paperwork she needs to get started.

If you're thinking about doing festivals or events this summer, this one's worth a read.

Full answer here:

what sort of certificates do i need to to cater at a festival?

04/04/2026

Hot and Cold Water on a Coffee Cart

Do you need hot and cold water at the same sink on a coffee cart?

Broon from Scotland runs a small coffee cart and wanted to know if using the coffee machine for hot water and having a separate cold water sink would cause problems with environmental health.

It's a common setup question — and the answer matters more than you'd think.

Full answer here:

I only serve coffee so can my hot water from the coffee machine and my cold water is on a sink? With I have a issue with environmental health?? The size

03/04/2026

Mobile Wet Fish Van — Legal Requirements —

Setting up a mobile wet fish van? Here's what you need to know.

Caroline from the National Federation of Fishmongers asked about a member in Somerset who wants to trade from pub car parks and do door-to-door rounds. Two very different sets of rules.

We cover pub car parks (council vs private), pedlars certificates for door-to-door, temperature control for wet fish, and the key bits most people forget.

Full answer:

I am the secretary of the National Federation of Fishmongers and have a member who is looking to set up a mobile wet fish van. He lives in Somerset and

02/04/2026

Planning Permission for a Catering Van

"Do I need planning permission?"

Liz from Torfaen owns a farm shop with land and wanted to put a mobile catering van on site. Her local planning office wouldn't even answer the phone — so she asked us instead.

We break it down for every scenario: public streets, private land, your own driveway, events, and permanent setups.

The golden rule? If you're mobile and pack up at the end of the day, you're far less likely to need planning permission.

Read the full answer:

Liz asked: I own land which has a farm shop and mini industrial site. I want to put a mobile catering van on the land to serve our customers and workers

31/03/2026

Selling Coffee in the Street

Do you need a licence to sell coffee in the street?

Andy from Glasgow works in construction and wanted to know if he could sell tea and coffee from a backpack. Great low-cost way to start — but yes, you do need a few things sorted first.

We explain street trading licences, consent streets vs prohibited streets, and a quicker option if the licence feels like too much hassle.

Full answer here:

Andy asked: To sell coffee or tea from a backpack, do I need any food or hygiene qualifications other than applying for a street traders licence? I am

29/03/2026

Certificates for a Food Cart

"What certificates do I need for my cart?"

Alex from Manchester is starting a sweet cart business and wanted to know what paperwork is needed. Whether it's a sweet cart, coffee cart, or hot dog cart — the certificates are basically the same.

We've listed all 5 things you need to sort, starting with the cheapest and quickest.

Read the full answer:

Alex asked: I am starting a sweet cart business providing sweets only. Do I need certificates as I am handling the food? Hiya Alex, good question — and

28/03/2026

Catering Van on Your Drive

Can you set up a catering van on your own driveway?

Liz from Huddersfield was given a mobile catering van by a friend and wanted to know if she could trade from home. It's a question that comes up a lot — and the answer isn't always straightforward.

We cover planning permission, residential use, neighbour impact and what the council is likely to say.

Full answer here:

https://www.mobcater.co.uk/can-i-set-up-a-catering-van-on-my-drive.html

27/03/2026

Burger Van Licence

One of the most common questions we get asked...

"What licence do I need for a burger van?"

Mark from Cambridgeshire wanted to know exactly what paperwork he needed before getting started. The answer might be simpler than you think — but there are a few things you definitely don't want to skip.

We've put together a full breakdown covering street trading
licences, food hygiene, registration and insurance.

Read the full answer here:

Mark asked: If I buy a burger van what licence do I need and who do I talk to about getting permission? Hiya Mark, great question — this is probably the