Consultation
The Statutory
Regulation of Tourist
Accommodation in
Northern Ireland
Consultation on proposed changes
August 2004
Stimulating
innovation
enterprise and
competitiveness
Department of Enterprise,
Trade and Investment
The Statutory Regulation of
Tourist Accommodation
in Northern Ireland
Consultation on proposed changes
August 2004
© Crown copyright
ISBN 1-902885-02-3
Conte 1
Purpose of this
Consultation:
Background and
Policy Context
Page 4
2
The Current
Arrangements and 4
Need for Change Equality, Regulatory
Page 6 and Rural Impact
Aspects
Page 12
3
Proposed Changes to
the Statutory 5
Regulation Responding to this
Ministerial Foreword Arrangements Consultation Process
Page 1 Page 8 Page 14
nts
Annex A
List of relevant
legislation
Page 16
Annex B
Indicative Minimum
Criteria for Guest Inns Annex D
Page 17 Glossary of Terms
Page 25
Annex C
Indicative Minimum Bibliography and
Criteria for Camping Useful Reference
Barns Materials
Page 23 Page 25
Barry Gardiner MP,
Minister with responsibility for
Enterprise, Trade and Investment
As Minister with responsibility for Tourism in It has been more than ten years since the current
Northern Ireland, I am conscious of the need to provisions for the statutory regulation of tourist
promote quality generally, in terms of the tourism accommodation in Northern Ireland were set out in
product, and to ensure that the conditions the Tourism (NI) Order 1992. During that time
necessary for effective business growth within the there have been significant changes to the
tourism industry are firmly in place. provision of tourist accommodation and
fundamental trend changes in the make-up of the
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s Strategic world travel market and international standards
Framework 2004-2007 provides the vision and and expectations.
sets out the essential steps which are needed if
tourism in Northern Ireland is to achieve its full A review involving tourism stakeholders, carried out
potential. Among the actions being taken forward in 2003 confirmed that statutory regulation
under the NITB Framework to meet the demands positively contributes to the tourism product in
of the modern international tourist, is a review of Northern Ireland by establishing a benchmark
the regulation of tourist accommodation and I am minimum standard. However it also indicated that
keen that we should build on this. scope exists to expand and refine the
arrangements. Many of you will have been involved
Northern Ireland is unique within the United in the initial consultation during this review and the
Kingdom in having in place arrangements for the views provided as a result of that exercise have
statutory regulation of tourist accommodation. The helped to shape the proposals contained in this
Northern Ireland Tourist Board also promotes a document.
voluntary classification/grading scheme which is
similarly aimed at enhancing the overall quality and
competitiveness of our tourist accommodation
stock, however, this is being examined separately
by the NITB.
Page 1
There is now a clear opportunity for Northern
Ireland to capitalise on recent significant growth in
visitor numbers. However, sustained growth will
only happen by offering a high quality, world-class
visitor experience. Integral to this is the need for a
robust and diverse accommodation sector, offering
the range and quality of product expected by
today’s international traveller. We must work
together to achieve this if we are to maintain and
capitalise on this competitive edge which the
Northern Ireland industry has.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and
Investment is keen to have your views on the
proposals and I would encourage you to use this
opportunity to contribute to the consultation
process.
August 2004
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Proposed Changes to the Statutory Regulation of Tourist Accommodation in Northern Ireland Page 2
A Quality Experience to the Visitor
Purpose of this Consultation:
Background and Policy Context
1
The arrangements for the statutory regulation of
tourist accommodation in Northern Ireland are set
out in the Tourism (NI) Order 1992 and its
associated regulations. The detailed provisions are
available at the sources listed at Annex A.
A fundamental review of the existing arrangements
Following consideration of the views expressed
during the 2003 consultation, and within the
context of the Strategic Framework for Action, this
consultation document puts forward proposals for
changes to the statutory regulation arrangements
to ensure that Northern Ireland tourist
was undertaken in 2003. It surveyed a wide range accommodation establishments continue to offer a
of tourism stakeholders, canvassed their views on quality experience to the modern-day visitor.
statutory regulation and sought to identify changes
which could enhance the arrangements. NOTE:
Separate arrangements are in place for the
Earlier this year the NITB launched its Strategic classification of tourist accommodation by the
Framework for Action 2004-2007. This sets the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB). These
agenda for Northern Ireland tourism for the next voluntary arrangements will be reviewed
three years and has been endorsed by all tourism separately later this year by NITB.
interests in the public and private sectors. A
central theme of the Framework is the need to
ensure that Northern Ireland offers quality tourism
products to attract visitors, to ensure they have a
memorable stay and that Northern Ireland remains
competitive.
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Proposed Changes to the Statutory Regulation of Tourist Accommodation in Northern Ireland Page 4
The future development of quality
tourism experiences
The Current Arrangements and Need for
Change
2
STATUTORY REGULATION
ARRANGEMENTS
Part IV of the Tourism Order specifically provides for
the regulation of tourist accommodation in
Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is unique within
the United Kingdom in providing by statute that all
Each category of accommodation has specified
criteria denoting the minimum standard that an
establishment must achieve in order to be
categorised. Statutory minimum criteria for each
category are set out in the “Categories of Tourist
Establishment (Statutory Criteria) Regulations (NI)
overnight tourist accommodation, offered by way of 1992”.
trade or business, is subject to compulsory
certification and annual inspection. The purpose of the statutory regulation
arrangements is to ensure that all tourist
There are currently in effect five statutory accommodation in Northern Ireland complies with
categories of tourist accommodation certain basic requirements in terms of the nature,
establishments in Northern Ireland, namely: hotels, character, extent and standard of accommodation
guesthouses, bed and breakfast establishments, and facilities. In effect, the criteria for each
self-catering establishments and hostels. accommodation category represents the minimum
standard required to be met by all tourist
accommodation providers in that category.
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Proposed Changes to the Statutory Regulation of Tourist Accommodation in Northern Ireland Page 6
Reasons for change tourist accommodation, the arrangements for
It is more than ten years since the current inspection visits and the need to modernise the
statutory regulation arrangements were drafted. prescribed minimum criteria to meet the needs of
Since then there have been major developments in modern-day visitors. A number of general tourism
the provision of tourist accommodation in Northern related points were also registered.
Ireland. There have also been fundamental
changes in the make-up of the world travel market Undoubtedly tourism is a key sector and has the
and the expectations of the discerning visitor, capacity to contribute significantly to economic
particularly those with experience of international growth, bringing benefits to all areas. If we are to
standards. maximise our tourism potential it is vital that we
continue to develop world-class products and
During the 2003 review, key stakeholders within visitor experiences that are “quality” driven. The
the industry unanimously agreed that statutory maintenance of a high standard of tourist
regulation had played an important part in accommodation is a key plank and central to
improving the standard of tourist accommodation further the tourism agenda.
in Northern Ireland. It was also confirmed that
statutory regulation can continue to be used as a DETI has therefore initiated this consultation on
mechanism to support the future development of the existing statutory regulation to ensure that the
quality tourism experiences. The review concluded Northern Ireland tourist accommodation sector will
that statutory regulation should be retained but be continue to offer quality provision that meets, and
updated to appropriately address the current and surpasses, the expectations of modern-day
future needs of the industry and its customers. international visitors.
The review also concluded that responsibility for
the administration of statutory regulation and the
inspection functions should remain with NITB. It
highlighted the importance of maintaining the close
working relationship between NITB and industry
practitioners as a key driver for improved quality.
The 2003 review asked consultees to examine and
assess the existing arrangements for the statutory
regulation of tourist accommodation. Views
expressed covered a wide range of issues, and
included comments on the statutory categories of
Page 7
Proposed Changes to the Statutory Regulation
Arrangements
3
STATUTORY CATEGORIES OF TOURIST
ESTABLISHMENT
Under existing legislation all establishments
proposing to offer overnight accommodation to
tourists must apply to the NITB to be categorised
within one of the following categories:
The clarification of these categories, in addition to
further refinement on the associated criteria will
help to make the application and inspection
processes more transparent. Indicative minimum
criteria for the new categories are attached at
Annexes B and C. It is also intended to revise how
educational establishments (campus), which offer
• Hotel tourist accommodation are categorised.
Depending upon the facilities offered by these
• Guesthouse campus sites, a particular campus establishment
might best fit within the self-catering or hostel
• Bed and Breakfast categories.
• Self-catering Question:
Do you agree the inclusion of (a) Guest Inns
• Hostel and (b) Camping barns as statutory categories
of tourist accommodation?
The 2003 review recommended that the categories
of tourist accommodation should be extended to Have you any views on the indicative minimum
include Guest Inns, currently certified within the criteria for Guest Inns at Annex B and Camping
Guesthouse category, and Camping barns, which Barns at Annex C?
are not currently certified.
Are there any other categories of tourist
A Guest Inn is a bar or restaurant which provides accommodation that you consider should be
guest accommodation. considered for inclusion in the list of statutory
categories?
A Camping barn offers simple overnight shelter,
which retains its character and original internal and
external features wherever possible.
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Proposed Changes to the Statutory Regulation of Tourist Accommodation in Northern Ireland Page 8
STATUTORY INSPECTION VISITS MODERNISING STATUTORY MINIMUM CRITERIA
Under the existing statutory regulation procedures, The current statutory minimum criteria prescribed
NITB is required to carry out an annual inspection for tourist accommodation establishments have not
of all certified tourist accommodation been updated for over 10 years. The Department
establishments once every year. The statutory has consulted with the NITB and proposes that the
inspection focuses primarily on the physical following changes be made to the statutory
attributes of each establishment. The NITB’s minimum criteria provisions -
Quality Assurance department undertakes this
annual inspection, for which a fee is levied on the Hotels:
accommodation providers.
• New establishments in this category must have
In most cases there is little significant change from not less than 15 double bedrooms, all of which
year to year. It is proposed therefore to amend (rather than 75% at present) must have an
this requirement for inspection from once every en suite bathroom.
year to at least once every two/four years.
However to ensure that establishments continue to • The mandatory requirement to provide midday
comply with the minimum standards required it is meals will be discontinued.
also proposed that the inspections every two/four
years be supported by random inspections by NITB • New establishments must have a minimum
Quality Assurance Officers. bedroom floor area of 9 square metres for single
rooms (rather than 7.5 square metres at
Question: present), 15 square metres for double rooms
What are your views on tourist accommodation (rather than 13 square metres at present), and
establishments being inspected on at least 15 square metres for double with single
one occasion in every two/four years, rather bed/triple bedrooms.
than annually as at present?
Page 9
Guest Houses: Question:
Do you agree with the proposed changes to
• New establishments in this category must have the statutory minimum criteria for categories
not less than 5 en suite double bedrooms (rather as above?
than 3 double bedrooms at present).
Are there other aspects of the current
• All guesthouses must be capable of providing an statutory minimum criteria which you consider
evening meal. should also be changed or modernised to
ensure the provision of quality tourism
Bed and Breakfasts: establishments in accordance with visitor
expectations?
• New establishments must provide one bathroom
for every 6 visitors (rather than one bathroom for GENERAL TOURISM RELATED ISSUES
every 10 visitors at present). The 2003 consultation also highlighted a number
of related issues within the existing statutory
• New establishments must provide one WC with provisions which should be addressed in any
wash hand basin for every 6 visitors (rather than modernisation of the legislation. These are set out
one WC with wash hand basin for every 10 below.
visitors at present).
SEASONALITY OFF-PEAK CLOSURE OF HOTELS
Hostels: At present all tourist establishments categorised as
“hotels” in Northern Ireland must provide services
• New establishments must provide one shower or at all reasonable hours on every day of the week.
bath for every 10 visitors (rather than one In practice most hotels remain operational all year
shower or bath for every 20 visitors at present). round, with the exception of Christmas Day. The
2003 review concluded that many hotels
• New establishments must provide one WC for experience significant fluctuations in demand but
every 10 visitors (rather than one WC for every are required by current legislation to remain open
15 visitors at present). often where there may be no commercial
justification for doing so. It is proposed therefore
Note: to amend the existing legislation to enable hotels
Existing establishments would be exempt from the to close during off-peak periods, for up to 4 weeks
proposed new guest room criteria set out above. in any 12 month period, subject to the agreement
of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Proposed Changes to the Statutory Regulation of Tourist Accommodation in Northern Ireland Page 10
Question: CLASSIFICATION OF VISITOR ATTRACTIONS
Do you agree that hotels should have the The existing legislation enables the NITB to provide
option of applying to close off-season for a classification schemes for certified tourist
limited 4 week period? accommodation establishments. Whilst the 2003
review focused on tourist accommodation, it
FEES FOR INSPECTIONS attracted comment that there would be merit in
Existing legislation prescribes that a fee shall be extending the classification schemes to include
paid in respect of a statutory inspection, or other other elements of the tourism product, in particular
inspection at the request of a proprietor of a visitor attractions. It is therefore planned that the
tourist establishment. The fee levied must be Northern Ireland Tourist Board will establish and
sufficient, as far as practicable, to cover the cost provide a voluntary classification scheme for Visitor
of conducting the inspection. It is intended that Attractions. The aim of such a scheme would be
these provisions will remain in place but it will be to confirm to potential visitors that certain basic
necessary in due course to amend the legislation standards are in place and thereby sustain and
to provide for inspections of new categories of enhance the “Quality” agenda.
tourist establishments that are introduced and also
to ensure that there is full cost recovery. (A Question:
separate public consultation will take place on this Do you agree that NITB should be enabled to
when the associated Regulations are being provide a voluntary quality assurance
revised). classification scheme for Visitor Attractions in
Northern Ireland?
Page 11
Equality, Regulatory and Rural Impact Aspects
4
This consultation is being carried out in accordance
with the Guiding Principles contained in the
Equality Commission’s “Guide to the Statutory
Duties”.
Equality aspects of the changes to the existing
DETI intends to carry out an assessment of the
rural impact of the proposed changes to ensure
that there is no adverse effect on rural
communities.
Question:
arrangements have been considered by the Are there any aspects to the proposals that
Department. It is concluded that the proposed you consider will have a negative impact on
policy changes do not have any adverse impact on equality, regulatory or rural issues?
those groups stipulated in Section 75 of the
Northern Ireland Act, 1998. The revised policy
proposals seek to improve the quality of provision
in all tourist accommodation establishments.
DETI has considered the regulatory impact of the
changes proposed within this document. No new
regulatory burden is being imposed by the
proposed changes all of which build on the existing
regulatory arrangements.
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Proposed Changes to the Statutory Regulation of Tourist Accommodation in Northern Ireland Page 12
We welcome your views
Responding to this Consultation
5
We would welcome your views. If you wish to
make comment, responses to this consultation
document must be received no later than
19 November 2004.
Please send your comments to:
This consultation paper is also accessible on the
DETI website at
www.policy.detini.gov.uk/consultations You may
respond electronically by e-mailing your comments
directly to tourismpolicy@detini.gov.uk
Maryann McKay Unless you indicate otherwise, we will assume that
Tourism Policy Branch you have no objection to your representations
Netherleigh being treated as a matter of public record.
Massey Avenue
Belfast
BT4 2JP THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN THIS
CONSULTATION PAPER AND WE LOOK
Telephone: 028 9052 9299 FORWARD TO RECEIVING YOUR COMMENTS
Fax: 028 9052 9321
E-mail: tourismpolicy@detini.gov.uk
Should extra copies or accessible formats be
required please contact Maryann McKay (above)
and appropriate arrangements will be made as
soon as possible.
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Proposed Changes to the Statutory Regulation of Tourist Accommodation in Northern Ireland Page 14
Annex
Annex A
List of Relevant Legislation
Annex B
Indicative Minimum Criteria for
Guest Inns
Annex C
Indicative Minimum Criteria for
Camping Barns
Annex D
Glossary of Terms
Bibliography and useful reference
materials
Page 15
Annex A
List of Relevant Legislation
Statutory Instrument:
1992 No. 235 (N.I. 3) The Tourism (Northern Ireland) Order 1992
Statutory Rules of Northern Ireland:
1992 No.136 TOURISM Statutory Inspection of Tourist Establishments (Fees) Regulations (Northern
Ireland) 1992
1992 No. 149 TOURISM Categories of Tourist Establishment (Statutory Criteria) Regulations
(Northern Ireland) 1992
1992 No. 150 TOURISM Tourist Establishments (Notices, Certificates and Forms) Regulations
(Northern Ireland) 1992
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Proposed Changes to the Statutory Regulation of Tourist Accommodation in Northern Ireland Page 16
Annex B
Indicative Minimum Criteria for Guest Inns
General
1.(1) The establishment shall provide:
(a) overnight sleeping accommodation in not less than 5 en suite double bedrooms;
(b) breakfast, and be capable of providing evening meals to residents and non-residents;
(c) be opened at reasonable hours for chance trade;
(d) a service for the regular cleaning of rooms
1.(2) The establishment shall comply with all statutory requirements relating thereto for the time being
in force.
Construction
2. The establishment shall:
(a) be of substantial and durable construction, structurally safe, in good repair throughout and of
suitable design for the purposes of paragraph 1 [above];
(b) be exclusively or primarily used for the provision of sleeping accommodation for visitors, in
separate rooms, and meals and refreshments therefore at such hours as may reasonably be
fixed by the proprietor, and
(c) be in good decorative order and kept clean and well maintained throughout, including outdoor
areas, grounds and car parking areas.
Entrance
3. The establishment shall have an entrance hall:
(a) of sufficient size to cater adequately for the number of visitors for whom sleeping
accommodation is provided;
(b) which is suitably laid out and contains appropriate furnishings, fittings and equipment of good
quality and in good condition; and
(c) which affords easy access by means of internal or enclosed corridors and stairways to the public
rooms and bedrooms of the establishment.
Page 17
Dining Area
4. The establishment shall contain a dining area which contains furniture, fittings and equipment of
good quality and condition, and provides adequate space for the number of diners which may
reasonably be expected to use it at any time. In particular the area must:-
(a) provide for the service of meals at separate tables which must be solidly made and which
should be completely covered with a clean tablecloth or surfaced with polished hardwood or a
good facsimile thereof or with approved material of a comparable quality;
(b) have seats which are comfortable and of strong construction, including high chairs (or suitably
adapted chairs) for children;
(c) be so ventilated at all times that no odour from the kitchen is perceptible;
(d) have a ceiling to floor height of not less than 2.44 metres; and
(e) be suitably floored or carpeted.
Kitchen Area
5.(1) The establishment shall have a kitchen located adjacent to the dining area, and which shall be
adequate in size to provide cooked meals at any one time for the number of visitors for whom the
sleeping accommodation is provided.
5.(2) The kitchen and any associated service areas shall contain facilities, equipment and fittings of good
quality and condition for the storage, refrigeration, preparation, cooking and service of food and for
the storage and cleaning of utensils used for these purposes.
5.(3) A separate laundry/utility room shall also be provided in the establishment.
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Proposed Changes to the Statutory Regulation of Tourist Accommodation in Northern Ireland Page 18
Lounge Area
6. The establishment shall have one or more lounges, physically separated from the dining area or
areas, which shall be of adequate size for the number of visitors for whom sleeping accommodation
is provided. Each such lounge shall contain sufficient furniture, fittings and equipment of good
quality and condition to cater adequately for the number of visitors which may reasonably be
expected to use it at anytime and should include:
(a) comfortable chairs, armchairs, sofas or settees of good quality;
(b) occasional tables; and
(c) carpet or, if the floor surface is of suitable design or treatment, rugs.
Visitors’ Bedrooms
7. Bedrooms provided for visitors shall be numbered, lettered or otherwise designated so as to identify
them, shall be of adequate size for the number of visitors the room is intended to hold and shall
have proper lighting. Each bedroom shall:
(a) have separate access from a corridor;
(b) have a suitable locking device on any door opening onto a corridor;
(c) contain at least one electrical outlet for the attachment of electrical equipment including
heaters and cleaning equipment;
(d) contain furniture, fittings and equipment of good quality and condition for sleeping and toilet
purposes and for the storage of visitors clothing. Generally such furniture, fittings and
equipment shall include:
(i) a bed or beds for each visitor the room is intended to hold complete with interior sprung
mattress or suitable equivalent.
Page 19
(ii) a supply of clean linen, blankets or duvet, pillows and counterpane;
(iii) loose or built-in units comprising wardrobe or cupboard, dressing table with mirror and
drawer space for clothes;
(iv) a bedside chair and table;
(v) a waste basket and ashtray;
(vi) a carpet or, if the floor surface is of suitable design or treatment, a bedside rug; and
(vii) window curtains or blinds
(viii) a wash hand basin (unless one is contained in an en suite bathroom) fitted with a mirror,
wash light and shaver point, and accessories for holding toilet equipment and complete
with plumbing for the continuous supply of hot and cold running water and the disposal of
waste water together with a clean and ample supply of towels and soap.
Bathrooms and Toilets
8.(1) Where the establishment contains bedrooms for visitors which do not have an en suite bathroom it
shall, subject to sub-paragraph (6) [below], provide at least:-
(a) one bathroom for every 10 visitors or proportion thereof for whom such bedrooms are provided;
and
(b) two toilets for the first 20 such visitors or proportion thereof and thereafter one toilet for every
additional 10 such visitors or proportion thereof.
8.(2) Each bathroom provided in accordance with sub-paragraph 1(a) [above] shall contain a bath or,
subject to sub-paragraph 8.5 [below], a shower of good quality and in good condition which shall
be fixed complete with all plumbing for the continuous supply of hot and cold running water and
the disposal of waste water, and be fitted with a suitable locking device.
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Proposed Changes to the Statutory Regulation of Tourist Accommodation in Northern Ireland Page 20
8.(3) Where an establishment contains one or more bathrooms in accordance with sub-paragraph (1)(a),
these bathrooms shall contain at least one bath.
8.(4) Each toilet provided in accordance with sub-paragraph (1)(b) [above] shall contain a WC and a
wash hand basin of good quality and in good condition which shall be fixed complete with plumbing
for the continuous supply of hot and cold running water and the disposal of waste water.
8.(5) The en suite bathroom (if any) of a bedroom shall contain a bath or shower, a WC and (unless one
is already provided in the bedroom) a wash hand basin, of good quality and in good condition,
complete with all plumbing for the continuous supply of hot and cold running water and the
disposal of waste water.
8.(6) A bathroom provided in accordance with sub-paragraph (1)(a)[above] may, in addition to the
facilities mentioned in sub-paragraph 3 [above]), contain a WC and, in such a case, that bathroom
shall also be regarded as a toilet for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(b)[above] provided that in
the establishment not less than half the number of toilets (if any) required by that head, and in an
event at least one such toilet are contained in rooms separate from bathrooms.
8.(7) All bathrooms (whether en suite or otherwise) and toilets provided in accordance with this
paragraph shall have an effective system of direct or mechanical ventilation and shall be equipped
with mirror, towel rails, clothes hooks, bath mat and a clean and ample supply of toilet requisites,
including towels, soap and toilet paper.
Owners Accommodation
9. Sleeping, dining, lounge, bathroom, and toilet facilities, separate from those for visitors, shall be
provided in the establishment for the use of the proprietor, members of his family, or any staff
resident therein.
Page 21
Heating, Lighting and Ventilation
10. The establishment shall:
(a) Contain effective means of natural lighting and ventilation; and
(b) Have a means of heating capable of maintaining, when required, a room temperature of
18.5 degrees Celsius.
Management
11. The establishment shall:
(a) Be under the supervision of the proprietor, trained or experienced in guest house management;
and
(b) Be staffed by persons adequate in number and training to maintain the appropriate standards of
service for visitors at all reasonable times.
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Proposed Changes to the Statutory Regulation of Tourist Accommodation in Northern Ireland Page 22
Annex C
Indicative Minimum Criteria for Camping Barns
General
1.(1) A camping barn offers simple overnight shelter, which retains its character and original internal and
external features wherever possible.
1.(2) The establishment shall comply with all statutory requirements relating thereto for the time being in
force.
Construction
2.(1) The building must be structurally sound, wind and water-tight with requisite damp proofing if
required.
2.(2) Ventilation must be provided.
2.(3) The internal surfaces of the building must be in sound condition.
2.(4) Access to an upper floor must be by a stairway designed to the satisfaction of the local authority.
2.(5) An area for sleeping must be provided separately from an area for cooking. If the
cooking/eating/sitting area is situated inside the building it must be separated from the sleeping
area by either a partition wall or by space. The cooking area may be provided on the outside of the
building.
Facilities for users
3.(1) A cold drinking water supply must be provided inside the building or adjacent to it.
3.(2) Sleeping accommodation must be provided. Minimum space is 20 square feet (or equivalent in
metres) and a further 10 square feet (or equivalent in metres) of circulation space; for dressing,
storage of belongings etc i.e. suggested total space of 30 square feet (or equivalent in metres).
3.(3) The cooking/eating/sitting area must have within it a hygienic counter for cooking and preparing
food. If this area is inside the building it must provide sufficient space for sitting, food preparation
and eating.
Page 23
3.(4) A sink for the washing of cooking utensils, plates, cutlery etc must be provided with hot and cold
running water and suitable cleaning materials.
3.(5) Toilets must be provided with a minimum of two toilets provided for both males and females. The
toilet(s) can be located either inside or outside the building. If located inside, then the toilet(s)
must be separate from any food preparation area. Toilet(s) may be flush or chemical.
3.(6) If liquid propane gas (LPG) is used, it must be connected to a fixed installation propane cooking
appliance in the cooking/eating/sitting area. The cylinders must be situated outside the building and
the gas piped to this appliance through securely fixed metal piping or armoured flexible piping. Solid
fuel burning stoves are optional.
Equipment
4 Tables and chairs or benches must be provided. Furniture should be robust and durable. There
must also be sufficient coat hooks, a mop and bucket and cleaning materials.
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Proposed Changes to the Statutory Regulation of Tourist Accommodation in Northern Ireland Page 24
Annex D
Glossary of Terms
Bibliography and useful Reference Materials
“The Board” means the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
“Tourist” means a visitor to Northern Ireland, a person spending his holiday in Northern Ireland or a
person travelling for pleasure within Northern Ireland, and “tourism” shall be construed accordingly.
“Tourist accommodation” means overnight sleeping accommodation for tourists provided by way of
trade or business.
“Statutory inspection” means the inspection of each tourist establishment by an officer of the Board
on at least one occasion each year; “Annual inspection” may be understood using this definition.
“Statutory Regulation scheme” means the scheme whereby an officer of the Northern Ireland Tourist
Board inspects each establishment providing overnight tourist accommodation. This is also termed
‘Certification’.
*The Tourism (Northern Ireland) Order, 1992 - www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk
*Statutory Rules of Northern Ireland 1992, No 136 Statutory Inspection of Tourist Establishments (Fees)
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1992
*Statutory Rules of Northern Ireland 1992, No 149: Categories of Tourist Establishment (Statutory
Criteria) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1992.
*The Northern Ireland Act, 1998 - http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts1998/19980047.htm
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board Tourism Industry Website – www.nitb.com
Details of consultation exercises which are being undertaken by Public Sector Bodies in Northern Ireland
- www.consultationni.gov.uk
*Available from The Stationery Office
Page 25
Your views on this
document are welcome
August 2004
Alternative formats including
Tourism Policy Branch E: tourismpolicy@detini.gov.uk braille, large print, disc,
Department of Enterprise, T: (028) 9052 9299 audio cassette or in minority
Trade and Investment F: (028) 9052 9321
Netherleigh, Massey Avenue www.policy.detini.gov.uk/consultations
ethnic languages are
Belfast BT4 2JP available on request.