Restaurants to be required to provide single sex toilet facilities under new legislation

The changes, announced by the Government over the weekend, will affect England only and also apply to buildings that undergo a material change of use.

Under the legislation, self-contained universal toilets may be provided instead of single-sex toilets only where lack of space ‘reasonably precludes provision of single-sex toilets’.

Universal toilets may also be provided in addition to single-sex toilets, where space allows.

The new legislation follows the results of a consultation on the proposals, where responses showed 81% agreed with the intention for separate single-sex toilet facilities and 82% agreed with the intention to provide universal toilets where space allows.

The Government said single-sex spaces are ‘essential for ensuring privacy and dignity for the elderly, women, and girls’.

“This announcement will create better provision for women so that our particular biological, health and sanitary needs are met,” said Kemi Badenoch, Minister for Women and Equalities.

Residential rooms in care homes, premises used wholly or mainly for early years provision, schools, and cellular accommodation in custodial facilities will be exempt from the rules.