UK Pop-Up Shop Regulations: Licences, Permits & Legal Requirements

Running a pop-up shop in the UK is far simpler than opening a permanent retail store, but you still need to ensure you meet the correct legal and regulatory requirements. The rules are not complicated, but they vary depending on what you sell, where your space is located, how long your activation runs, and whether you plan to host events.

This 2026 guide breaks down the essential legal considerations for pop-up shops in London and across the UK, helping you operate confidently and avoid last-minute disruptions. 

If you need a complete overview of how to plan your launch from start to finish, see the full guide: How to Start a Pop-Up Shop in London (2026 Guide).

---

1. Do You Need to Register Your Business?

If you are trading, you must operate under a legal business structure. In the UK, most pop-up shop founders fall into one of two categories:

Sole Trader

The simplest option. Registering with HMRC is free, quick and requires minimal admin. This is ideal for small brands, independent makers or first-time pop-up owners.

Limited Company

A more formal structure that offers limited liability protection and can be more tax-efficient for growing brands. You must register with Companies House and file annual accounts.

If you plan to hire staff or run multiple events during the year, incorporating as a limited company may be beneficial.

More information: https://www.gov.uk/set-up-business

---

2. Licence to Occupy (Most Common for Pop-Ups)

A Licence to Occupy is the short-term agreement used for almost every pop-up shop in London. It gives you permission to occupy the retail space without the long-term burden of a commercial lease.

It usually includes:

• Duration of stay
• Agreed fee
• Access hours
• Basic responsibilities (cleaning, repairs, keys)
• Rules around signage and alterations

A Licence to Occupy typically lasts from a few days to a few months and is designed specifically for flexible retail use.

Spaces available with flexible licences include:

• Soho pop-up shop spaces
• Covent Garden retail units
• Shoreditch pop-up shop spaces
• Marylebone short-term shops

---

3. Planning Permission: When You Do and Don’t Need It

The good news: Most London pop-up shops do not require planning permission.

You normally do not need planning permission if:

• Your pop-up shop is under 150m²
• Your activation lasts 28 days or less
• The use is considered “temporary retail”

However, planning permission might be required if:

• You change the building’s main use (e.g., café to retail)
• Your tenancy extends beyond 28 days
• You install external structures, large signage or lighting
• You host certain types of entertainment

Always confirm with the landlord or local council if you are unsure. London boroughs differ in how strictly they interpret planning rules.

Reference: https://www.gov.uk/planning-permission-england-wales

---

4. Street Trading Licence (For Outdoor or Market Spaces)

If your pop-up shop is:

• Outdoors
• Part of a market stall
• Operating from a forecourt or public space

…you may need a Street Trading Licence.
This licence is issued by the local council and often requires:

• Proof of public liability insurance
• A clean food hygiene rating (if relevant)
  A fee (typically £50–£300)

This applies to areas such as Camden Market, outdoor stalls in Hackney, and certain locations in Shoreditch and Southbank.

Explore market-friendly retail options:

• Camden retail spaces
• Hackney pop-up stalls and units

---

5. Food, Drink & Tastings: Additional Requirements

If your pop-up shop involves preparing or serving food, even samples, you must comply with food safety regulations.

You must register as a food business if you:

• Handle open food
• Cook, prepare or store food on site
• Offer tastings
• Serve drinks outside sealed packaging

Food business registration is free and must be completed at least 28 days before trading.

Register here: https://www.gov.uk/food-business-registration 

If you serve alcohol or host certain activities, you may need a Temporary Event Notice (TEN).

TENs cost £21 and cover:

• Alcohol sales
• Late-night refreshments
• Entertainment such as live music

TENs must be submitted to your local council at least 10 working days before the event.

---

6. Insurance Requirements for Pop-Up Shops in London

Insurance is essential for temporary retail, even if your activation lasts only a few days. Many landlords require proof of insurance before handing over keys.

Essential cover includes:

Public Liability Insurance

Protects you if a customer or visitor is injured in your space.

Product Liability Insurance

Required if you sell physical products and want protection against claims.

Employer’s Liability Insurance

Legally required if you hire even one staff member, including temporary staff.

Contents & Stock Insurance

Protects against theft, fire or damage to your products and equipment.

Some landlords also provide partial cover for the building itself, but not for your goods, so always check what is included in your Licence to Occupy.

For more on insurance requirements for running a pop-up shop in London read: Pop-Up Shop Insurance: What Cover You Need & How to Choose It

---

7. Health & Safety Requirements

Your pop-up shop must comply with basic health and safety standards. This applies to all businesses, no matter how short the activation.

Minimum requirements include:

• A written risk assessment
• Clearly accessible fire exits
• Working fire alarms (provided by the venue)
• Fire extinguishers where appropriate
• PAT-tested electrical equipment
• Safe storage for back-of-house items
• Adequate lighting
• First aid availability
• Clear signage for hazards

If you handle food or host hands-on events, additional standards may apply.

---

8. Accessibility and Customer Rights

Your pop-up shop should be accessible wherever possible. Not all older London buildings allow structural adjustments, but you should still provide reasonable support.

Accessibility considerations:

• Step-free access (ideal but dependent on venue)
• Wide aisles for mobility devices
• Clear signage
• Considerate customer flow
• Staff trained to assist

Make sure your returns and exchange policies are clear and displayed. Even temporary retailers must follow UK consumer rights law.

More information: https://www.gov.uk/accepting-returns-and-giving-refunds

---

9. Data Compliance (GDPR)

If you collect customer data for marketing, competitions or email sign-ups, you must follow GDPR rules.

This means:

• Gaining explicit opt-in consent
• Storing data securely
• Allowing customers to unsubscribe easily
• Only collecting information you genuinely need

You should also avoid adding customers to email lists without their permission, even during a short-term retail activation.

---

10. Practical Compliance Checklist

Before opening your pop-up shop, ensure you have:

• A valid Licence to Occupy
• Insurance policies in place
• Risk assessment completed
• Correct licences (TEN, food registration, street trading, if relevant)
• Clear signage (including pricing)
• GDPR-compliant sign-up process
• Staff briefed on emergency procedures

For a full step-by-step approach to planning and setting up your pop up, see: How to Start a Pop-Up Shop in London (2026 Guide).

---

Final Thoughts

Most UK and London pop-up shop regulations are straightforward, and many responsibilities are shared with the landlord. As long as you understand the basics and allow time to acquire any required licences, compliance should not be a barrier to launching a successful activation.

To explore flexible retail spaces across London, including areas with high visibility such as Soho, Shoreditch, Marylebone and Covent Garden, start with: London retail spaces.