A new government-backed approach is set to support hospitality businesses while improving how food safety inspections are carried out across England, at a time when both operators and regulators are under increasing pressure. The sector continues to face significant challenges, with four hospitality venues closing every day in the final quarter of 2025 and more than 3,300 businesses shutting their doors over the past year. As operators navigate rising costs and ongoing uncertainty, local authorities are also balancing stretched resources with the need to maintain consistent and effective enforcement. Safe to Trade has been formally recognised within a Primary Authority Inspection Plan approved by the Secretary of State for Business and Trade. The plan is administered by Milton Keynes City Council, which acts as Primary Authority for Shield Safety. The framework is designed to bring a more consistent and proportionate approach to inspections, particularly for businesses operating across multiple local authority areas. By recognising the strength of independently assessed food safety systems, it enables a more streamlined experience for compliant operators, helping to reduce unnecessary duplication while maintaining high standards. For many operators, this could mean fewer repeat inspections where strong systems are already in place. At the same time, it supports local authorities to take a more targeted approach, allowing inspection activity to focus where it is most needed and where risks are highest. The Inspection Plan sets out how local authorities in England should approach inspections for venues listed on the Safe to Trade Directory, introducing a clearer…
