New Compliance Requirements in UK Hospitality: 5 Essential Tips for 2024
The start of 2024 has brought a wave of new regulations to the UK hospitality industry. From Martyn’s Law, which bolsters venue security, to updated wage and tip rules, these regulations are designed to enhance customer safety, fair pay, and ethical practices.
But navigating these changes can be a challenge.
Here’s what hospitality leaders need to know and how to keep their venues compliant.
1. Implement Martyn’s Law Security Measures
Martyn’s Law, also known as the Protect Duty, mandates that certain venues adopt enhanced security practices to guard against terrorism. Named in memory of Martyn Hett, a victim of the 2017 Manchester attack, this law applies to spaces with a capacity of over 100 people and requires a documented action plan for emergencies.
Compliance Tip: Begin by conducting a risk assessment as required by the new law. Resources like the ACT Awareness e-Learning course from UK Counter Terrorism Policing can guide you through best practices for protecting public spaces. Additionally, consulting security experts or using venue security tools can help ensure that your preparedness meets legal standards
2. Adjust Marketing Practices to Meet Scotland’s Alcohol Regulations
With stricter alcohol marketing laws in Scotland, hospitality businesses face new limitations on advertising and promotions. These include restrictions on outdoor displays near schools and adjustments to in-store promotions.
Compliance Tip: Audit all alcohol-related advertising to ensure compliance with the new guidelines. For updates, consult the Scottish Government’s Alcohol Marketing Regulations page. Consider alternative ways to communicate product information, such as digital promotions or loyalty schemes that comply with new advertising restrictions
3. Adhere to New Wage and Tip Distribution Laws
Updated regulations now enforce a minimum wage increase to £10.42 per hour and introduce strict requirements on tip distribution, mandating that all tips go directly to employees without management deductions.
Compliance Tip: Review your payroll and tip distribution policies to align with the new legislation. Payroll software like Sage Payroll or Fourth can automate wage and tip calculations, ensuring compliance. Regular audits of payroll processes are essential to avoid violations. For details, visit the UK Hospitality Association’s guidelines on wages and tipping
4. Update Food Labelling for Compliance with Natasha’s Law
Natasha’s Law mandates that pre-packed food for direct sale includes clear ingredient and allergen labels. This regulation was introduced following a tragic allergen-related death and emphasises the importance of transparent food labelling in keeping customers safe.
Compliance Tip: Equip your team with digital labelling systems to ensure up-to-date allergen and ingredient information is accessible. Training staff on allergen awareness, using programs from Allergy UK, can minimise risks and enhance customer trust.
5. Enhance Data Protection and Privacy Measures
The hospitality industry’s reliance on digital customer data increases the importance of compliance with GDPR. From booking systems to customer loyalty schemes, protecting data from misuse is crucial.
Compliance Tip: Regularly update data storage systems and review privacy policies to ensure they align with the latest GDPR standards. The ICO’s Data Protection Toolkit can guide hospitality businesses in implementing secure data handling practices and preventing costly breaches
Navigating Compliance with Confidence
Adapting to new regulations requires proactive steps, but it also builds trust with customers and staff. By focusing on security, fair pay, responsible marketing, food safety, and data protection, hospitality businesses can meet compliance standards while setting a high bar for industry ethics.
For further insights and resources, check out the latest updates on Talking Hospitality.
