Statutory inspection schedules

The purpose of these statutory inspections is to ensure that establishments comply with certain minimum standards as set out in the relevant tourism legislation.

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995

As a tourism provider offering holiday accommodation you have legal obligations under The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and need to consider the needs of guests with disabilities.

Help for making your business accessible for everyone

Are you open for business...for everyone? An accessible business is one that is equally open to all potential customers, including the approximately 375,000 people in Northern Ireland who have a disability.

Fire safety regulations for your business

Fire safety regulations apply to all business premises including tourist accommodation and visitor attractions.

Alcohol licensing for hotels guest houses and conference centers

Hotels, Guest Houses and Conference Centres should be licensed for the retail sale of alcohol.

Food safety and hygiene

Tourist accommodation categories which provide cooked food i.e. Hotel, Guest house, Bed and Breakfast and Guest accommodation, must apply to their local council to register their food business.

Public Liability Insurance

Public liability is an essential part of any accommodation business if someone gets injured or their property damaged through your fault or no fault of anyone while on your premises.

GDPR Considerations for Tourism Business Providers

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) considerations for tourism providers.

Business rates for your tourist accommodation premises

If you operate tourist accommodation, you may need to pay business rates.

Planning and building control

Planning Permission and Building Regulations may apply if you are considering starting a business offering tourist accommodation.

Listed Building Consent

If your tourist accommodation is provided from a listed building you should contact the relevant authorities before making any alterations to the building.

Health and safety in tourism businesses

As a tourist accommodation provider, you are responsible for health and safety of your guests whilst they are on your premises.

Gas and electricity safety in tourism business

All accommodation businesses, regardless of their size, have to comply with safety laws relating to gas and electricity.

Smoke free workplaces and smoking policy

Northern Ireland smoke-free regulations state that it is against the law to smoke (tobacco products or any other lit substance that can be smoked) in all enclosed workplaces and enclosed/partially enclosed public places (with some exemptions).

Use of CCTV in tourist accommodation

Over the past few years, the use of CCTV in tourist accommodation has become more prevalent, as property owners seek to safeguard their property and that of their guests.

TV Licence fee for hotels, hostels and campsites

If you’re providing TVs in a hotel, hostel or campsite for overnight guests, you will require a Hotel and Mobile Units Television Licence.

Copyright licences - Music, Film

If as a tourist accommodation provider, you play music or show films and TV programmes in your premises you may be required to have a licence to do so.

HMRC Support

Learn at your own pace with HMRC e-learning

Mortgage terms and management companies

If you operate tourist accommodation, you may need to contact your mortgage provider or management company to check if any restrictions apply.

Package holiday advice and regulations

In Northern Ireland anyone who offers for sale package holidays must comply with the Package Travel Regulations 1992.

Premises ceasing to trade

If you are a tourism accommodation provider who wishes to stop trading, find out more.