Depending on the state you are in determines what your legal responsibilities are from the perspective of being management or the business owner. To be on the safe side if you are in any way in control of staff, then you should be capable of managing the legal issues in the hospitality industry.
There are hospitality law courses that allow you to learn enough information and knowledge to help you recognize situations where there could be a legal problem or potential lawsuit. This will help in minimizing any lawsuits in your hotel or restaurants.
There are many laws that you must be aware of but here are some of the basic hospitality laws which you must be aware of. Here is where some very major lawsuits can surface if the laws governing these areas are not strictly adhered to.
- Guests/Tenant Relationship Law
- Food and beverage laws and liability issues
- Civil Action Innkeeper Rights
- Criminal Action Guest Rights
- Civil Rights Liquor Liability
- Contracts Dram Shop Acts
- Wage and Hour Issues
- Liquor law and liquor licensing
- Food and beverage laws and liability issues
- City and health department codes
- Building permits and construction contracts
- Age, sex and racial discrimination
- Family business wills and trusts planning
- Real estate leases and contracts
Again because there are so many avenues in the Hospitality Industry there is a lot to be learned according to the laws as they are applicable to the various categories. If you are in a management position then you will be able to focus on the laws that pertain to your specific employment area. If you are in hospitality business owner then you have a much heavier responsibility. You must not only know the laws yourself, but ensure that your management staff and regular employees do as well. Again, each state or country has their own rules and regulations. For very detailed aspects of the law, you will most certainly need the involvement of a lawyer that specializes in this field.
Here are a few of the more significant laws and a variety of areas that they are most applicable to:
1. There are common laws that must be adhered to when supplying accommodation to guests for example in Hotels or Motels.
2. Be aware of Insurance regulations when it comes to conventions or group travel clients.
3. The laws regarding letting unregistered individuals enter another guest’s room. This naturally is a privacy issue.
4. It is important that you are well aware of the Americans with Disabilities Act, either in the way it is applicable to lodgings or the food sector of the industry. This is one of the most common areas for lawsuits within the Hospitality industry.
5. You must have general knowledge of when a possible crime has been committed and your responsibility to report it to the authorities.
6. The laws and procedures that must be followed should a guest at a hotel pass away.
7. The laws and rules and regulations when it comes to the food service industry within the Hospitality industry.
8. It is extremely important that all employers and employees be well versed in the fire regulation laws.
For anyone involved in the Hospitality Industry, they must realize that hospitality law is not to be taken lightly. Remember whenever you are dealing with the general public you have an obligation to safeguard their safety and well-being. That’s why there are so many stringent laws in place. You must take some general courses in this area. By doing so not only will you protect yourself against potential lawsuits or legal recourses, but also you will give yourself more credentials. These could be important to you if you are planning to move into a management position at some point in time.
Managing Legal issues in the hospitality industry is a great responsibility. It is a necessity though when you are dealing with so many sectors that involve the general public. Not only does knowing and adhering to the laws provide a safe environment but also it speaks well of the business establishment itself.
