VisitBritain Pink Book of UK Legislation

The Pink Book contains guidance on:

Laws and regulations affecting accommodation providers and attractions businesses in England.
New and updated legislation that you need to know about.
Your responsibilities as an employer and business-owner.
Crucial licences and consents, and health and safety laws.
Business management and tax rules, for companies of all sizes.
Laws regarding discrimination, working hours, GDPR and more.

Purchase the Pink Book

For all of the essential guidance at your fingertips, the Pink Book is available as a convenient printed reference book, priced at £11.99 plus postage.

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For all of the essential guidance at your fingertips, the Pink Book is available as a convenient printed reference book, priced at £11.99 plus postage.

An introduction to the Pink Book Online

The Pink Book Online is the digital version of the Pink Book, the respected publication that has guided tourism business-owners in England. Now in its 12th edition, the Pink Book provides significant support to the tourism sector – and the Pink Book Online is the free, digital iteration of this essential resource.

The Pink Book gives clear guidance and practical information on the legislation that affects you, including licences, marketing, health and safety, management, taxation and much more.

Who is the Pink Book for?

If you run any kind of accommodation or visitor attraction in England – or are involved in managing or advising one – this guidance is for you.

You need to know the legislation that applies to your business. Customers are also increasingly aware of their rights – so compliance helps you to meet their expectations while also avoiding claims, prosecution and fines. For information on laws affecting UK businesses outside England, contact your relevant national tourist board.

The Pink Book is sponsored by The Professional Association Of Self Caterers UK.

Latest updates

Get insights into new tourism legislation in our regular column by Kurt Janson, Tourism Consultant and ex-Director of the Tourism Alliance.

Get the latest updates

Expertise to guide your business

The Pink Book has supported England’s tourism businesses through countless legislation updates and new regulations. Its guidance and information cover everything from your rights and responsibilities if a booking is cancelled, to the latest laws on discrimination, single-use plastics, minimum wage, working hours and more.

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in the Pink Book, we regret that we cannot be responsible for any errors. The Pink Book contains general information about laws applicable to your business. The information is not advice, and should not be treated as such. Read our full disclaimer.

Licences and consents

Ensure that you have the correct permissions and certification for your business.

Alcohol, entertainment and gaming licensing

If you want to provide any alcohol, you will need a licence. You may need a licence or permit to have gaming machines.

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Woman serving drinks behind the bar in a pub

TV and copyright licences

You need special licences to allow your guests to access TVs, films and music.

Rowley Farm Holidays

Lounge area at the top of a timber framed building, with exposed ceiling beams, a large leather sofa and wooden coffee table facing a flat-screen TV at Rowley Farm Holidays. Bronze winner of the New Tourism Business of the Year in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2022

Planning and building

Change of use consent and building regulations may apply if you are starting, changing or expanding your business premises.

VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Signs for your premises

Permission requirements to display exterior signage and how to apply for a brown tourism sign.

VisitBritain/Sam Barker

A man posing for the camera in front of a 'Welcome to Carnaby Street' sign in London.

Alcohol, entertainment and gaming licensing

If you want to provide any alcohol, you will need a licence. You may need a licence or permit to have gaming machines.

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

TV and copyright licences

You need special licences to allow your guests to access TVs, films and music.

Rowley Farm Holidays

Planning and building

Change of use consent and building regulations may apply if you are starting, changing or expanding your business premises.

VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Signs for your premises

Permission requirements to display exterior signage and how to apply for a brown tourism sign.

VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Marketing

Direct marketing

Regulations covering email and telephone marketing to customers.

VisitBritain/Anastasia Ustenikova

Food truck and direction signs at a festival at Highclere Castle with house behind

Holiday packages

Your obligations under the Package Travel Regulations.

VisitBritain/Llio Angharad

View of a bay with sandy beach and turquoise water with people

Unfair trading practices

What you can and can’t say when advertising your business, including online review sites.

VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Woman wearing pink hat walking through narrow street

Direct marketing

Regulations covering email and telephone marketing to customers.

VisitBritain/Anastasia Ustenikova

Holiday packages

Your obligations under the Package Travel Regulations.

VisitBritain/Llio Angharad

Unfair trading practices

What you can and can’t say when advertising your business, including online review sites.

VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Customers

Understand your rights and obligations when dealing with customers and the public.

Pricing and charging

How to advertise your prices within the law and the ban on debit and credit card payment charges.

VisitBritain/Stuart Harper

Close up of human hand writing menu on blackboard

Bookings and tickets

An overview of booking terms and conditions and selling tickets.

VisitBritain/Getty Images

Family buying entry tickets from a museum reception

Registration, data protection and surveillance

Your obligation to record certain guest details, data protection regulations and CCTV requirements.

VisitBritain/David Clapp

A five bar gate with countryside views across fields

Cancellations and no-shows

Your rights when a guest cancels and your obligations if you cannot fulfil a booking.

VisitBritain/Getty Images

Female receptionist smiling at the camera working on laptop at Hotel check in

Accepting customers

When you can refuse a customer and what counts as discrimination under the Equality Act, including age discrimination.

Getty Images/E+/SolStock

A shot of a diverse family walking in the countryside.

Disabled customers

Your obligations under the Equality Act 2010 regarding anyone who is disabled, thought to be disabled or associated with someone who is disabled.

VisitBritain/Pawel Libera

Female wheelchair user sat in the garden, reading

Luggage and belongings

Your responsibility to keep guests’ belongings secure and your right to keep luggage until the bill has been paid.

VisitBritain/Getty Images

Family arriving at the exterior of a Bed and Breakfast home, met by host

Childcare

If you provide childcare facilities, there are specific regulations you need to follow.

Isle of Wight Festival

Alternative dispute resolution

What you need to do if you cannot resolve a dispute with a customer and what to show on your website if you take online bookings.

VisitBritain/Lee Beel

Large stone arched bridge over a flowing river. Sunset

Pricing and charging

How to advertise your prices within the law and the ban on debit and credit card payment charges.

VisitBritain/Stuart Harper

Bookings and tickets

An overview of booking terms and conditions and selling tickets.

VisitBritain/Getty Images

Registration, data protection and surveillance

Your obligation to record certain guest details, data protection regulations and CCTV requirements.

VisitBritain/David Clapp

Cancellations and no-shows

Your rights when a guest cancels and your obligations if you cannot fulfil a booking.

VisitBritain/Getty Images

Accepting customers

When you can refuse a customer and what counts as discrimination under the Equality Act, including age discrimination.

Getty Images/E+/SolStock

Disabled customers

Your obligations under the Equality Act 2010 regarding anyone who is disabled, thought to be disabled or associated with someone who is disabled.

VisitBritain/Pawel Libera

Luggage and belongings

Your responsibility to keep guests’ belongings secure and your right to keep luggage until the bill has been paid.

VisitBritain/Getty Images

Childcare

If you provide childcare facilities, there are specific regulations you need to follow.

Isle of Wight Festival

Alternative dispute resolution

What you need to do if you cannot resolve a dispute with a customer and what to show on your website if you take online bookings.

VisitBritain/Lee Beel

Food and drink

If your business serves food or drink, learn more about your duties and responsibilities.

Food safety and hygiene

If you supply any food or drink, including breakfast, you need to register with your local authority.

Getty Images/Compassionate Eye Foundation/Gary Burchell

A group of people or relatives tasting drinks at a lunch.

Food labelling

You must tell guests if your food contains any of the 14 major allergens.

Getty Images/Johnny Greig

Caucasian businesswoman in early 40s using laptop to sort out paperwork while sitting at communal table in her health food shop and cafe

Food safety and hygiene

If you supply any food or drink, including breakfast, you need to register with your local authority.

Getty Images/Compassionate Eye Foundation/Gary Burchell

Food labelling

You must tell guests if your food contains any of the 14 major allergens.

Getty Images/Johnny Greig

Environmental protection

Whether your business is large or small, sustainable choices make a big difference.

Single use plastics

It is illegal to provide plastic drink stirrers and cotton buds to customers and there are significant restrictions on providing plastic straws.

Getty Images/Digital Vision/Klaus Vedfelt

Cropped image of male and female friends toasting drink glasses at bowling alley.

Coal and firewood

If you provide coal and firewood for your guests, there are restrictions you need to adhere to.

Nick Linnett Photography

View of the lounge at Horseshoe Cottage Farm, Leicestershire close-up of the inglenook fireplace and tartan patterned sofas. Silver winner of the B&B and Guest House of the Year in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2022

Single use plastics

It is illegal to provide plastic drink stirrers and cotton buds to customers and there are significant restrictions on providing plastic straws.

Getty Images/Digital Vision/Klaus Vedfelt

Coal and firewood

If you provide coal and firewood for your guests, there are restrictions you need to adhere to.

Nick Linnett Photography

Health and safety

Essential legislation and guidance to keep you, your staff and your customers safe.

Health and Safety at Work Act

Your responsibilities for the safety of your staff and your legal obligation to complete a health & safety assessment.

VisitBritain/Calvertexmoor.org.uk

Man and boy wearing harnesses and helmets, abseiling

Health and Safety Liabilities

Your liability to guests and employees, what insurance you can take and whether you need a licence to transport guests.

VisitBritain/Thames Rockets

Screaming passengers on a Thames Rocket speed boat

Safety management

Your legal obligations under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

VisitBritain/Getty Images

Horseback riders riding through a forest and talking

Hazards from work activities

How to ensure your staff do their jobs safely, such as employees who use computers.

People wearing wetsuits and helmets paddling down a rapid

Legionnaires’ disease

Legionella is classified as a “hazardous substance” and you are required to undertake a risk assessment to protect both your staff and customers.

Getty Images

Couple relaxing in a hot tub overlooking countryside

Hazards in the workplace

Guidance on the use of safety glass, preventing trips and testing electrical products.

City of London Corporation/Antoine Buchet

People walking down the stairs Sky Garden wth the city in the background

Product safety

How to ensure you provide safe products for your customers, particularly for gas and electrical appliances.

West Midlands Growth Company

Mother, father and son laughing whilst playing with Lego

Swimming, gym and outdoor safety

How to manage health & safety for swimming pools and gyms and whether you need a licence for adventure activities.

VisitBritain/Helena Bradbury

A woman stands looking out to a view in the rooftop pool at sunrise

Fire safety (general)

How the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to tourism businesses.

Jake Eastham

A fireplace with a lit fire flanked by two leather sofas with tables. The wall is covered in numerous framed artworks. The Duncombe Arms - Bronze award winner for the Pub of the Year at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023.

Fire safety of furniture and furnishings

What legislation applies in relation to the fire safety of furniture.

The Devonshire Arms at Pilsley

Complete your Fire Risk Assessment

Use our free template to help comply with your legal obligation.

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

A young Arab couple relaxing by a fire in the drawing room

Smoking in public places

Your legal duty to display a no smoking sign and ensure enclosed spaces remain smoke-free.

Getty Images/iStockphoto/GuruJosh

Health and Safety at Work Act

Your responsibilities for the safety of your staff and your legal obligation to complete a health & safety assessment.

VisitBritain/Calvertexmoor.org.uk

Health and Safety Liabilities

Your liability to guests and employees, what insurance you can take and whether you need a licence to transport guests.

VisitBritain/Thames Rockets

Safety management

Your legal obligations under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

VisitBritain/Getty Images

Hazards from work activities

How to ensure your staff do their jobs safely, such as employees who use computers.

Legionnaires’ disease

Legionella is classified as a “hazardous substance” and you are required to undertake a risk assessment to protect both your staff and customers.

Getty Images

Hazards in the workplace

Guidance on the use of safety glass, preventing trips and testing electrical products.

City of London Corporation/Antoine Buchet

Product safety

How to ensure you provide safe products for your customers, particularly for gas and electrical appliances.

West Midlands Growth Company

Swimming, gym and outdoor safety

How to manage health & safety for swimming pools and gyms and whether you need a licence for adventure activities.

VisitBritain/Helena Bradbury

Fire safety (general)

How the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to tourism businesses.

Jake Eastham

Fire safety of furniture and furnishings

What legislation applies in relation to the fire safety of furniture.

The Devonshire Arms at Pilsley

Complete your Fire Risk Assessment

Use our free template to help comply with your legal obligation.

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Smoking in public places

Your legal duty to display a no smoking sign and ensure enclosed spaces remain smoke-free.

Getty Images/iStockphoto/GuruJosh

Staff

If you have employees – whether staff or contractors – this section applies to you.

Working hours

An overview of the Working Time Regulations and what your employees are entitled to.

VisitBritain/Getty Images

Waiter holding a tray with wine and smiling towards the camera

National Minimum Wage and tips

The current minimum rates of pay you must provide and who is entitled to it.

Getty Images/Solstock

Young woman smiling, behind a counter in a record shop, with the till and card reader in front of her

Discrimination

Guidance on the Equality Act 2010 and legally protected characteristics.

VisitBritain/Solstock/Getty

A person with Downs Syndrome serving customers in the cafe

Time off for parents

Your obligations regarding maternity and paternity rights, flexible working and parental leave.

Getty Images/SolStock

A multiracial family of four, a mother, father and their two little boys standing Newcastle railway station platform waiting for their train.

Migrant workers

What documents you need to check for workers originally from outside the UK.

VisitBritain/The Pig

Restaurant staff at a training session dressed in uniform standing around a table at THE PIG in Brockenhurst

Employing under-18s

The legalities around employing staff under the age of 18.

Getty Images/Solstock

Young mixed race woman stood in the hatch of a food truck smiling, ready to serve

Workplace pensions

If you employ staff you must provide a pension scheme and contribute towards it.

Getty Images/Image Source

Woman waters garden in sunshine, in Eastbourne

Working hours

An overview of the Working Time Regulations and what your employees are entitled to.

VisitBritain/Getty Images

National Minimum Wage and tips

The current minimum rates of pay you must provide and who is entitled to it.

Getty Images/Solstock

Discrimination

Guidance on the Equality Act 2010 and legally protected characteristics.

VisitBritain/Solstock/Getty

Time off for parents

Your obligations regarding maternity and paternity rights, flexible working and parental leave.

Getty Images/SolStock

Migrant workers

What documents you need to check for workers originally from outside the UK.

VisitBritain/The Pig

Employing under-18s

The legalities around employing staff under the age of 18.

Getty Images/Solstock

Workplace pensions

If you employ staff you must provide a pension scheme and contribute towards it.

Getty Images/Image Source

Business management and tax

Know your legal responsibilities and requirements as a tourism business owner.

Further information

Expert resources for further guidance, additional support and specialist advice

Where to find further information

Expert resources for further guidance, additional support and specialist advice