We’re welcoming the Government’s move to review hospitality regulations with a view to simplify regulations and reduce costs for operators.
The Government has launched a comprehensive review of hospitality regulations, responding to years of industry concerns about overly complex, inconsistent, and costly compliance requirements.
The Hospitality Sector Review, led by the Ministry for Regulation, will examine the rules affecting restaurants, bars, cafes, food stalls, food trucks, catering businesses, and hotels—with the goal of cutting red tape while maintaining standards.
A review the industry has been calling for
The Restaurant Association welcomes the announcement – it reflects the concerns and priorities raised directly by hospitality operators. We’ve been asking for this regulatory review since the 2024 Hospitality Summit, and it’s pleasing to see the government has heard our voice.
We have a unique opportunity to support a comprehensive look at the red tape holding our industry back, and expect a strong set of recommendations that will support hospitality’s growth into the future.
What’s being examined
The review will assess whether current hospitality regulations are necessary, cost-effective, and actually fit for purpose. Specifically, the Ministry will look at whether rules are:
- Necessary and worth the cost they impose on businesses
- Effective, efficient, and proportionate to real risks
- Adaptable enough to evolve with the industry
- Genuinely easy to comply with
- Aligned with good regulatory practice
It’s an approach that could lead to meaningful change across the sector.
What this review could deliver
If done well, this review could deliver real benefits:
- Simpler compliance processes
- Consistency across councils so you’re not dealing with different interpretations in different regions
- Lower costs from streamlined requirements and less time spent on paperwork
- Room for innovation without unnecessary regulatory barriers
- A level playing field across the food sector
Consultation open
The Government is also asking for direct feedback from the industry and we encourage members to share their views. This is a genuine opportunity to tell decision-makers about the specific regulatory issues that impact your business. The information gathered through submissions will directly inform the review’s priorities and recommendations.
If you want to contribute:
- Submissions close: 12 November 2025 at 23:59
- Business owner portal: Make a submission here
- Guidance resource: Download the submission guide (PDF)
Think about the compliance requirements that cost you the most time or money, where you’ve experienced inconsistency between different councils, or rules that feel outdated or unnecessarily complex. Specific examples and real numbers from your business will help make the case for change.
We’ll keep sharing the industry’s voice through our own engagement
The Restaurant Association will continue engaging closely with Ministers throughout this process as we aim to ensure the next phase of reform delivers tangible benefits to hospitality businesses.
This is a significant step forward for the sector. After years of navigating increasingly complex regulations while dealing with unprecedented challenges, there’s now a real opportunity to create a regulatory environment that supports businesses rather than burdening them.
The review’s final report is due to Ministers by April 2026.
Other information: