Customers in the hospitality industry might agree that the most important part of their experience is good service. However, for those who run businesses within the industry, there are many competing priorities. Operating costs, supply chain stability, staffing levels and the particular challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic are all uppermost in the minds of owners and managers, but one issue remains prominent whatever the ebb and flow of other matters, and that is compliance.
The obligations on hospitality businesses are stringent and comprehensive, covering licensing, the Health and Safety at Work Act, food hygiene and environmental health in addition to those which apply to other industries such as fire regulations, data protection, the Trades Descriptions Act and employment law. In the UK, the restaurant sector alone employs some 3 million people, but one in three new restaurants close within three years of opening. It is a volatile industry and businesses can benefit from anything that alleviates some of the hospitality compliance pressures. Before considering compliance solutions, let's run through the main considerations.
Commercial kitchens are dangerous places although every part of the premises can present hazards. It is vital to conduct health and safety risk assessments appropriate to the particular venue and to review them regularly as circumstances and obligations can change. The findings of these assessments should be kept constantly available for staff to consult, and new employees should be fully trained on them. Particular operations, such as taking delivery of supplies into the cellar, will need to have specific procedures designed to ensure safety. If you have five or more members of staff, you will need to write a health and safety policy.
Fire protection provisions must be thorough, appropriate and regularly tested. HVAC and electrical systems need similar scrutiny. Strict rules govern the handling, storage, preparation, cooking, serving and disposal of food. Even menus are subject to controls, with clear requirements to disclose weights and measures information, particularly relating to alcohol. Staff training must cover all these issues and other operational matters, with induction procedures for new employees and refresher courses for existing staff.
Hopsy is a specialist firm, dedicated to providing the very best management support to the hospitality industry. We have developed sophisticated compliance management software which makes it easy to check, monitor and upgrade every part of your operation to make sure it remains compliant with existing regulations and all amendments and revisions. Our online templates are fully aligned with legislation and can be customised to suit your specific needs. They contain every condition that needs to be met so you never have to worry about even the slightest oversight. You can supplement the inspection template with any temporary or ad hoc requirements.
If you operate multiple sites, you can integrate reports to give you all the information you need in one place. Any issues that need attention are clearly flagged and a system of reminders ensures they are followed up. There are even functions to log all accidents and to record confirmation that all staff have received all necessary notifications and training.
Manual procedures for hospitality compliance are time-consuming and prone to human error. Hopsy's compliance solutions simplify the process and ensure accuracy at all times.
