s 19 Registration and licensing of food premises.
(1) the Secretary of State may by regulations make provision— (a) for the registration by enforcement authorities of premises used or proposed to be used for the purposes of a food business, and for prohibiting the use for those purposes of any premises which are not registered in accordance with the regulations; or (b) subject to subsection (2) below, for the issue by such authorities of licences in respect of the use of premises for the purposes of a food business, and for prohibiting the use for those purposes of any premises except in accordance with a licence issued under the regulations. (2) the Secretary of State shall exercise the power conferred by subsection (1)(b) above only where it appears to him to be necessary or expedient to do so— (a) for the purpose of securing that food complies with food safety requirements or in the interests of the public health; or (b) for the purpose of protecting or promoting the interests of consumers.