From 2007 the Regulatory Reform (Game) Order 2007 removed the existing license requirements for the game trade.

This means that you no longer need a licence in order to deal in game - such as venison, pheasant, partridge, grouse and hare and rabbit.
(If you deal in game birds or venison you should make sure that you buy your stock from an approved and reputable supplier). 

Note:
(1) You must check your source before you sell, offer or expose for sale, take or transport for sale. This is because you will be committing an offence if you know or have reason to believe that the game bird or venison you offer for sale was unlawfully killed, taken or poached during the close season.

(2) Restrictions on dealing in game birds or venison during the close season no longer apply, but the restrictions on killing in the close seasons remain.

(3) Businesses will still need to keep traceability records as required by EU regulation 178/2002.

(4) The new regulations also remove the requirement to have a licence to kill or take game.

More guidance for game dealers and retailers on implementing the new regulations can be viewed at www.businesslink.gov.uk/gamelicensing