Insights & Updates
Guidance on licensing, planning and compliance from the Anka Group team.
Food Hygiene Rating: A Simple Guide for Restaurants and Takeaways
What does your food hygiene rating mean, how is it decided and what can you do about a low score? A simple guide to the 0 to 5 scores, appeals and re-visits.
Read more
Opening a Shisha Lounge in England: Your Questions Answered
Thinking of opening a shisha café or lounge? Smoke-free rules, the 50% outdoor rule, planning permission, late night licensing, fines and the new Tobacco and Vapes Act explained.
Read moreTest Purchasing: Who Authorises It and What Happens If You Fail?
Failed an alcohol test purchase? Who can carry one out, the fines and closure risks, and how to protect your premises licence.
Read more
What Is a Personal Licence? Your Questions Answered
Need a personal licence to sell alcohol? How to apply, what the one-day APLH course involves, how long the licence lasts and what it costs.
Read more
Change of Use: Do You Need Planning Permission for a Restaurant, Café or Takeaway?
Thinking of opening a restaurant, café or takeaway? Find out which use class your business falls into, when you need planning permission for a change of use, and how to check a property before you sign the lease.
Read more
Digital ID and the New s182 Guidance: What Licence Holders Must Do Before Accepting It
The Home Office has updated its section 182 guidance to explain how digital proof of age works under the mandatory licensing conditions. Here are the rules every licence holder should know before accepting digital ID.
Read more
How to Open a Restaurant, Cafe or Takeaway in England: A Step-by-Step Guide
Opening a restaurant, cafe, bar or takeaway? Follow the licensing and planning steps from finding premises to opening day, with a free step-by-step chart.
Read moreWhat Is a Premises Licence and How Do You Apply?
Opening a bar, restaurant, shop or takeaway? Here is what a premises licence covers, who needs one and how the application works.
Read more
Do You Need Planning Permission for Air Conditioning? A Guide for Restaurants and Shops
Installing air conditioning at your restaurant or shop? Here is when you need planning permission, what the council will ask for and how to avoid enforcement.
Read more