Provision of toilets in cafes and restaurants
Under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 adopted by the council, premises being newly established as cafes and restaurants where meals are taken, and in other places of public entertainments, toilet and washing facilites are to be required on the following scale:
- One toilet and one wash-hand basin with hot and cold water where the seating capacity is 16 persons or less
- Where the numbers are more than 16 persons, toilet and washing facilties for male and female customers (assuming an equal number of each) to be provided as follows:-
| Number of persons | Number of toilets (male) | Number of toilets (female) | Wash -hand basis (male) | Wash-hand basis (female) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 - 50 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 50 - 100 | 1 and 1 urinal | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 100 - 200 |
1 and 3 urinals |
2 | 2 | 2 |
The standard has been in place since January 1984 and it is expected the majority of premises will have undergone a significant change in, or extension of, business and therefore will now conform to this standard or a higher one. (However it is accepted that there may be business that have not undergone such a change, since 1984 and may not comply.)
Staff toilets
Where possible, food preperation staff should have access to seperate toilet facilities to maintain hygiene standards in the kitchen. Where this is not possible, staff can share customer toilet facilities.
Disabled toilets
Building control will be able to advise on the provision of disabled toilets. Suitable disabled access toilets are required in all new cafes and restaurants to meet requirements under the Equality Act 2010.
Scale for toilets used by catering staff
Please note the following points when using the below scale.
- Where either the number of people normally employed does not exceed five at one time, or each employee works in the premises for only two hours or less daily, only one toilet and wash basin will need to be provided for use by all staff.
- Additional wash-hand facilites will be required in food areas.
| Number of persons | Number required (male) | Number required (female) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toilet's (No urinals provided) |
1 - 15 16 - 30 31 - 50 51 - 75 76 - 10 |
1 2 3 4 5 |
1 2 3 4 5 |
| Toilets (Urinals provided as below) |
1 - 20 21 - 45 46 - 75 76 - 100 |
1 2 3 4 |
|
| Urinals (1 stall of 600mm of space) |
1 - 15 16 - 30 31 - 60 61 - 90 91 - 100 |
0 1 2 3 4 |
|
| Wash basins |
1 - 15 16 - 30 31 - 50 51 - 75 76 - 100 |
1 2 3 4 5 |
as for male staff |
| Bins, incinerators or incerator units for disposal of sanitary dressings |
1 in every sanitary accommodation regularly used by females |
Contact us
For any further questions, please contact the health and safety team using the below details:
- Email - [email protected]
- Phone - 01242 264135
- In person - at the address shown at the bottom of the page.