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.
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.
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 Fit out and refurbishments For Restaurants
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, includingtoilets for restaurants, 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 [phone] and we’d be more than happy to assist you.