SIC 55.10 9,795 enterprises in the UK
Hotels and similar accommodation
What this covers (6 activity descriptions)
- Hotel (licensed with restaurant)
- Hotel (unlicensed with restaurant)
- Hotel without restaurant
- Motel (licensed with restaurant)
- Motel (unlicensed with restaurant)
- Motel without restaurant
What you must comply with
Unique to hotels and similar accommodation
Hotel Proprietors Act 1956 (guest property liability)
Strict liability for loss or damage to guests' property (up to £50 per article, £100 total, unless hotel negligent). Must display statutory notice limiting liability. Applies to establishments offering food, drink, and sleeping accommodation to any traveller without special contract.
Premises licence (alcohol and entertainment)
Required if selling alcohol or providing regulated entertainment. Different regime in Scotland (Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005) and NI (Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996).
Legionella risk assessment
HSE Approved Code of Practice L8 and HSG274 Part 2. Hotels with complex water systems, cooling towers, spas, or swimming pools at higher risk. Written scheme required.
Swimming pool and spa safety
HSG179 Managing health and safety in swimming pools. Water quality testing, lifeguard provision, pool plant maintenance. Spa pools carry higher Legionella risk.
Applies to all hotels and similar accommodation
Fire safety compliance (fire risk assessment)
Fire risk assessment mandatory for all accommodation premises. Responsible person must be designated. Scotland: Fire (Scotland) Act 2005. NI: Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006.
Employers' Liability Insurance
Required for all employers. Sole traders with no employees exempt.
Public liability insurance
Not a legal requirement but industry standard. Essential given duty of care to guests under Occupiers' Liability Acts 1957 and 1984.
Equality Act 2010 (accessibility and reasonable adjustments)
Duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled guests. Anticipatory duty — must plan ahead, not just respond to requests. NI: Disability Discrimination Act 1995 still applies.
Guest registration (non-British nationals)
Must record full name and nationality of all guests aged 16+. Non-British/Irish nationals must also provide passport/ID details. Records retained 12 months, open to police inspection.
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
General duty to employees and guests. Written health and safety policy required for 5+ employees. HSENI enforces in Northern Ireland.
GDPR / Data Protection Act 2018 (guest data)
Must register with ICO if processing personal data. Privacy notice required. Guest data (names, payment details, CCTV) must be handled lawfully.
Food business registration (if serving food)
Required if serving any food (including breakfast). Must register at least 28 days before opening. HACCP food safety management system required.
TV licence for public areas
Hotel TV Licence required for TVs in guest rooms and public areas. Single licence covers all sets in one building.
PPL/PRS music licence (if playing music)
Required if playing recorded or live music in public areas, restaurants, bars, or gyms. TheMusicLicence from PPL PRS covers both rights.
Guidance for this activity
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