News > Legislation
Legislation
Details of legislation and government decisions that affect the operation of your business, plus advice to help you avoid falling foul of the law.
Tip victory for waiting staff
31-Jul-2008 - The government announces plans to stop employers topping up wages with tips
Norwich's waiting staff campaign for fair tips
28-Jul-2008 - Waiting staff in Norwich take to the streets to get public backing for fair tips campaign
Restaurants may have to rename non-Cornish pasties
28-Jul-2008 - Steps by the Cornish Pasty Association mean restaurants and cafes may only sell Cornish Pasties if they originate from Cornwall
Hoteliers urged to consult planning laws before hanging banners
23-Jul-2008 - Hoteliers and restaurateurs are being warned to check their local planning laws before hanging promotional banners and signs outside their premises.
Pubs and bars face tougher rules on alcohol sales
22-Jul-2008 - Pubs and bars could face tougher regulations over the sale of alcohol following a major consultation about Englands drinking culture.
Independent's fair tips campaign gains pace
17-Jul-2008 - A fair tips campaign launched by the Independent newspaper this week has gained support of chefs and restaurant guide editors
Beer tax hike to threaten industry, not binge drinkers
15-Jul-2008 - Majority of the British public think the beer tax hike to curb binge drinking, will only harm the already struggling pub industry
London withdraws plans for own food hygiene scheme
15-Jul-2008 - Pressure from trade bodies leads to proposal for a London only food hygiene rating scheme to be withdrawn
FSA revises advice on menu labelling
14-Jul-2008 - The Food Standards Agency issues new guidance on the use of marketing terms such as fresh and natural
Restaurants could benefit from EU's VAT reduction
09-Jul-2008 - A 65 per cent reduction in VAT rates could help boost restaurant trade if EU plans go ahead
Pubco inquiry to be revisited
26-Jun-2008 - The Business and Enterprise Committee is to revisit an inquiry into pubcos to check that changes recommended in a 2004 report have been made.
Bar & Restaurant staff to get fairer tips
17-Jun-2008 - A case seen before the Employment Appeal Tribunal has landed hospitality staff with the legal right to fairer tips
Pub cigarette machines may be banned
27-May-2008 - Plans to scrap cigarette machines in pubs may signal more closures
FSA unites Scores On The Doors schemes
22-May-2008 - The FSA is discussing plans to create a unitary hygiene rating system for the UK
Businesses urged to make tips system fairer
15-May-2008 - Unite and the Daily Mirror launch campaign to make employers sign a fair tips charter.
10p Tax Can't Be Countered with MNW Changes
25-Apr-2008 - A trade body has today claimed that hikes in the national minimum wage planned to counteract the scrapped 10p tax rate would be damaging to the industry and lead to numerous closures.
Restaurant Tip Row Continues
18-Apr-2008 - The issue of tip distribution is ever contentious, with more protests outside Pizza Express today over the controversial sacking of a vocal employee
Immigration Laws Take Spice Out of Scottish Curry
01-Apr-2008 - Scottish restaurants argue immigration laws have already had a negative impact on their business’
Isle of Man Smoking Ban in Force
31-Mar-2008 - The smoking ban has come into effect on the Isle of Man. Premises found flouting the ban risk a fine of up to £5,000.
Scots Consider Raising Legal Drinking Age
25-Mar-2008 - The drinking age in Scotland could rise to 21 under proposals being considered by the Scottish Government. Public health minister Shona Robinson says the proposals form part of a long-term strategy aimed at cutting the countrys binge drinking problem.
End Near for Cigarette Vending Machines
25-Mar-2008 - The Government has given the strongest indication yet that it will ban cigarette vending machines from bars, hotels and restaurants under the Cancer Reform Strategy
Institute Guide to New Laws
17-Mar-2008 - A new guide for hospitality managers has been published by the Institute of Hospitality which outlines changes to the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act which come into force on April 6.
Restaurants to Display Hygiene Ratings
10-Mar-2008 - The Food Standards Agency is to publish recommendations that every food outlet in the country should prominently display hygiene ratings in locations highly visible to customers.
Government Backs Public Access to Restaurant Loos
06-Mar-2008 - The Government has given its backing to a scheme whereby restaurants would be paid by their local council to allow the public to use their toilets. The scheme is already in operation in the London Borough of Richmond.
FSB Slams New Foreign Worker Legislation
03-Mar-2008 - The Federation of Small Businesses has reacted angrily to new legislation which requires employers to check up to 13 different forms of ID when employing foreign workers