Any premises that sell food or drink should ideally provide customer toilets, though it’s not always a legal requirement. The 1976 Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions Act states that restaurants with 10 seats or more must provide bathrooms for their customers. So technically, if you have fewer than 10 seats or of course run a takeaway-only restaurant, the rule doesn’t apply.
Interested in upgrading your restaurant washroom? Find out more about our restaurant fit out and refurbishments here.
The exact requirements of your commercial washroom differ depending on where you live because the regulations fall under your local authority. However, here is a general guide that most establishments in the UK follow:
WC
Male customers: 2 for up to 150 males. 1 for every additional 250 males.
2 for up to 50 males if urinals are not provided.
Female customers: 2 for up to 30 females. 1 for every additional 30 females up to 120, plus 1 for every additional 60 females.
Urinal
Male customers: 1 per 60 males or part thereof up to 120 males. 1 for every additional 100 males.
Our urinal installation service.
Washbasin
Male customers: 1 per WC, plus 1 per 5 urinals.
Female customers: 1 per WC
Why Are Toilets Important In A Restaurant?
If your restaurant is located in an area (such as a shopping mall) where toilet facilities already exist, you might wonder why regulations state that if you have more than 10 seats, you need to provide toilets. The nature of being human is that people will need to use the toilet, so convenience is top of the list.
However, given food is being served you need to be able to provide people with facilities to wash their hands. Aside from recent world issues drawing our attention to cleanliness, not washing our hands - especially before eating - has always carried a risk of spreading disease or infection. So although there is a cost involved for business owners, toilets are always a preferred option.
Your patrons will also appreciate toilet facilities on the premises. It’s good to remember that they will need to be cleaned and maintained.
You may wish to factor in disabled toilets too, as well as baby changing units, which are highly coveted by parents. After all, it can be hugely stressful if a child needs changing in a restaurant and there are no facilities in the building. If you can make sure the baby changing unit is accessible for both mums and dads - this is even better.
Ideally, there should also be a separate door installed in addition to the toilet entrance. Toilets entrance doors should clearly labelled so that customers don’t mistake it for a staff area.
Staff Toilets In A Restaurant
Where possible, separate staff toilets should always be provided in restaurants. The HSE suggests that in a workplace, there should be 1 toilet and 1 washbasin if you have 1-5 employees. This then increases in an additional toilet and washbasin for businesses with 6-25, 26-50, 51-75 and 76-100 employees. Additional facilities will be needed if the toilets aren’t mixed-used or female only.
If the size or age of the building means it’s not possible to install staff toilets, then staff are permitted to use customer toilets. However, separate toilets are generally preferred by both employees and patrons.
Toilet Requirements For Restaurants UK
Are you looking to upgrade your restaurant toilets? If you don’t see your query below, please give our team a call on 0115 671 3850.
How Many Toilets Does A Restaurant Need In The UK?
The number required depends on the number of covers and staff. As a general guide under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations, a restaurant seating up to 25 customers typically needs one WC and one washbasin, with additional facilities required as customer and staff numbers increase.
Do Restaurants Need Separate Toilets For Staff And Customers?
There's no strict legal requirement for staff and customer toilets to be entirely separate, though it's considered good practice, particularly for larger venues. Staff must always have access to suitable sanitary facilities during working hours under workplace welfare regulations.
Is A Disabled Toilet A Legal Requirement For Restaurants?
Yes. Under the Equality Act 2010, restaurants must make reasonable provision for disabled customers, which in most cases means providing an accessible toilet that meets Building Regulations Approved Document M and BS 8300 standards.
Do Restaurants Need Baby Changing Facilities?
There's no specific legal requirement to provide baby changing facilities, but many local authorities expect them as part of licensing conditions, and they're generally recommended for family friendly venues to meet customer expectations.
What Ventilation Is Required For Restaurant Toilets?
Restaurant toilets must have adequate ventilation under Building Regulations Part F, either through natural means such as a window or via mechanical extraction, to control moisture and odours and maintain hygienic conditions.
Want me to add a couple more covering things like hand drying requirements or toilet provision for outdoor seating areas?
Restaurant Toilet Refurbishments across the UK
Interested in installing toilets in your restaurant? Inspired washrooms install modern washroom and toilet facilities across Nottingham, Derby, Leicester and the rest of the UK. Ranging from initial design plans to full installation and engineering, we've got a team of professionals for every step of the process.
We cover a range of different installation types, including toilets for restaurants, pubs, cafes, shops and any other commercial space, just get in touch with our team or visit our service page and we'll let you know what we can do for you and your business.
We install a range of washroom solutions that can be customised to your business needs. With 15 years of commercial washroom experience, we’re ready and waiting to help you with your project! Please get in touch on 0115 671 3850 and we’d be more than happy to assist you.