The cafe and restaurant area is a little bit of a grey area when it comes to laws and regulations surrounding washroom facilities. On one hand, you want to ensure that your customers are satisfied and content with your services, but on the other, some cafe shops are just too small to have these facilities in place or don't have enough customers at one time. If you’re a cafe owner, you will always have to provide toilets for staff as this is the law. However, for customers and clients, they may also legally require toilet facilities or it could just be a case of expectation.
For a deeper understanding of toilets in restaurants have a read through our blog on how many toilets does my restaurant need or to enquire about our restaurant refurbishment services, view our service page here.
When are toilet facilities necessary for cafes?
To put it simply, you do not, by law, have to provide toilet facilities for customers, as long as there are not 10 or more seats and people consuming food or drink on your premises. This rule doesn't however apply to staff as providing cubicles for staff is a law that every business must abide by. Learn more about washroom laws and regulations for businesses here.
If you are the owner of a cafe, coffee shop, bakery, ice cream shop or any other type of hospitality business, there will also be legal categories which will outline the nature of the services you provide. Additionally, local councils may have specific requirements that differ from national regulations, so it is always worth checking with them to see if additional rules apply in your area.
Licensed and unlicensed premises
If you serve alcohol, your legal obligations towards toilet facilities change. The current regulations state that any establishment with a drinks license must provide adequate and suitable toilet spaces for its customers. The number and type of facilities required will depend on factors such as the size of the premises, the number of customers, and any specific licensing conditions.
Times of service
The time of day that you operate will also affect your legal obligations. Any business that remains open past 11 pm must provide accessible toilet facilities for customers. This requirement exists primarily due to the limited availability of public toilets at night and the nature of businesses that tend to operate late, such as bars and restaurants.
Staff Toilet Requirements
Under the Workplace Regulation, all employers must provide enough toilet facilities for staff, including handwashing stations and sanitary provisions. These facilities must be kept clean and in good working order. Businesses must also ensure their staff toilets are accessible to disabled employees.
Tips for Small Cafes Looking to Provide Toilets
Even if you have limited space, there are creative ways to include a toilet in your business. Some solutions include:
- Regular maintenance – Ensure that both general and sanitary bins are emptied regularly, especially in unisex or shared toilets.
- Odour control – Smell is one of the biggest complaints in public washrooms. Installing automatic air fresheners can help maintain a fresh and pleasant environment.
- Accessibility considerations – If you only have space for a single toilet, making it inclusive with handrails, lower sinks, and easy access can help accommodate all customers, including those with disabilities, children, and elderly patrons.
Restaurant toilet design and refurbishments
Inspired washrooms have years of experience within the washroom fit-out and refurbishment sector, focusing on commercial spaces such as cafes and restaurants. Not only are we aware of all the laws and regulations in place, but we also have an eye for what looks good and combined with our specialist designers, produce washrooms which look good and work well.
Whether you own a small local cafe or have a selection of nationwide shops, get in touch with us on 0115 811 4242 and we can begin your fit-out or refurbishment project.