Legislation and Trading Standards
The Pink Book Online - Legislation for Tourist Accommodation
This is a very comprehensive document published online and in book form by VisitEngland The Pink Book Online. It provides details on all legislation relevant to accommodation providers in England and is probably a worthwhile investment at £9.99.
The main areas the Pink Book covers relevant to Guest Houses are:
- Alcohol and Entertainment licences – find out if you need a premises or personal licence
- TV and Copyright licences – do you need more than a TV licence?
- Planning and Building – if you are starting or extending your premises, planning permission rules apply
- Signs – find out whether you need planning permission to display outside signs
- Unfair Trading practices – an explanation of consumer protection rights
- Direct Marketing – how to comply with privacy and distance selling regulations
- Regulations relating to holiday packages
- Health and Safety at Work Act including risk assessments
- Health and Safety liability
- Safety Management
- Product Safety
- Fire Safety
- Food Safety and Hygiene
- Food Labelling
All businesses, regardless of size, need to comply with the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety order 2005. This link will help you meet the obligation to carry out a fire risk assessment.