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.

BHA: Uncertain times mean UK hospitality must be competitive

31-Jan-2017 By Hannah Thompson

Uncertain political and economic times mean it is more important than ever that the UK hospitality and tourism industry can compete, Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association (BHA) has warned.

Beware workplace dress codes: Businesses risk fines, new MPs report says

25-Jan-2017 By Hannah Thompson

Businesses and employers should ensure they know the rules regarding dress code and gender laws, or risk fines, a new government report has recommended.

Restaurant chains' sustainable fish use rises but diners still unsure

20-Jan-2017 By Hannah Thompson

High street restaurant chains have been commended for their increasing use of sustainable fish and seafood, but still need to increase information given to diners, a new report has concluded.

Industry to Theresa May: make immigration system flexible

18-Jan-2017 By Emma Eversham

Tourism trade association UKinbound is urging Prime Minister Theresa May to create an immigration system that is ‘flexible’ to the needs of the UK’s hospitality and tourism sectors as well as create ‘the best possible trading environment for goods and...

Hospitality: Proposed £1,000 fee for EU workers 'very worrying'

12-Jan-2017 By Emma Eversham

The industry has called proposals to charge British employers £1,000 for every worker they employ from the European Union following Brexit, 'very worrying' with concerns the move will add huge costs to restaurants, hotels and pubs. 

Government reveals 10 most bizarre excuses for not paying minimum wage

11-Jan-2017 By Hannah Thompson

The 10 most bizarre excuses for not paying staff minimum wage have been revealed by the Government, as it launches a £1.7m campaign to ensure workers know how much they should be paid.

BHA welcomes Government rural broadband investment plan

23-Dec-2016 By Hannah Thompson

The British Hospitality Association (BHA) has welcomed the Government’s announcement that it will invest in broadband technologies in rural areas.

Hospitality urged to put safety first at fireworks shows this New Year’s Eve

21-Dec-2016 By Hannah Thompson

Hospitality businesses have been advised to follow strict safety guidelines this New Year’s Eve when inviting the public to any fireworks displays or events.

Sector leaders pen letter to PM highlighting key issues

19-Dec-2016 By Mark Wingett

More than 20 chief executives and business leaders from the UK’s leading eating and drinking­ out chains have penned a letter to the Prime Minister Theresa May asking her to “consider a reduction in VAT, extending transitional relief on business rates...

Michel Roux Jr scraps tipping at Le Gavroche

15-Dec-2016 By Hannah Thompson

Michel Roux Jr, owner with his family of the two Michelin-starred Le Gavroche restaurant in London’s Mayfair, is to scrap tipping in favour of including a service charge on all bills.

MPs asked to tackle rural tourism challenges post-Brexit

14-Dec-2016 By Emma Eversham

MPs are being asked to consider the challenges facing hotels and other tourism businesses situated in the countryside as the organisation representing them contemplates how rural tourism will be supported post-Brexit. 

What does the Autumn Statement mean for hospitality?

23-Nov-2016 By Sophie Witts

The Autumn Statement has received a lukewarm response from the hospitality industry after the Chancellor offered help for rural businesses, but failed to cut tourism VAT.

Business rate appeal block could cost small businesses £700m

21-Nov-2016 By Emma Eversham

The Government's plan to stop businesses appealing against incorrect business rates calculations could cost small businesses more than £700m, hospitality, retail and SME lobby groups have warned. 

Brexit could boost VAT Campaign, says new letter to 40 MPs

17-Nov-2016 By Hannah Thompson

Brexit could have a positive effect on the hospitality VAT Campaign, a letter from the Campaign to 40 Conservative MPs has said.

Government to probe rights of ‘gig economy’ staff

27-Oct-2016 By Sophie Witts

The rights of ‘on-demand’ workers such as Deliveroo drivers are to be reviewed as part of a new Government low pay inquiry.