There’s much more to running a hotel than just welcoming guests, keeping visitors happy and making sure their stay is enjoyable. Behind the scenes, there are numerous laws and regulations that hotels in the UK must follow to ensure everything is safe and legal. From food safety to data protection, these laws exist to help protect the hotel, its guests and staff.
We’ve put this guide together to help you understand the essentials and make compliance feel less overwhelming.
Consumer Rights Act 2015
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 helps ensure hotels are transparent and fair. This means ensuring:
- Prices and booking policies are clear
- Fair terms for cancellations and refunds
- Rooms and facilities are described and advertised honestly
If something is advertised incorrectly, guest can take their complaint further under this law. Hotels can ensure compliance by being upfront and accurate.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Hotels must keep people safe; this law protects both hotel guests and staff. It exists to ensure a safe environment and includes:
- Regularly checking for risks like fire hazards, trip hazards or hygiene issues
- Making sure fire exits are clear and alarms, signage and extinguishers work properly
- Training staff so they know what to do if there’s an emergency
- Recording accidents and keeping a clear paper trail
Much of this is common sense and comes naturally, but it’s vital that hotels adhere to the rules of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Food Safety Act 1990
If your hotel serves food and drink, it must comply with the Food Safety Act 1990. This piece of legislation helps protect your guests’ health and wellbeing. It covers areas such as:
- Registering with your local council before opening
- Keeping kitchens spotless and staff trained in food hygiene
- Displaying your hygiene rating after inspection
- Providing allergen information clearly and confidently
Having a high hygiene rating builds confidence in your restaurant and can help boost bookings.
UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018
Hotels handle a significant amount of personal data, including payment details and passport information. Under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, hotels must:
- Explain how they collect and use guest data
- Keep information secure and limit who can access it
- Allow guests to access or delete their data if they ask
- Report serious data breaches within 72 hours
Data protection is about respecting guests’ privacy. With an increasing rise of online fraud, guests value knowing that their privacy is protected and their details are safe.
Other permits and licences hotels may need
Most hotels will require some or all of the following permits and licences:
- Premises licence if you sell alcohol or host entertainment
- Food hygiene registration before serving any food or drink
- TV licence if TVs are provided in rooms or communal areas
- Music licence (PRS/PPL) if you play recorded music in public spaces
- Fire safety compliance through a fire risk assessment
- Planning permission if you’re changing how a building is used
Want to make your hotel a unique space?
If you’re a hotel owner looking to create a welcoming space that complies fully with UK laws and regulations, IH Group can help. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements and see how we can help.
