Legislation checklist: Tourist accommodation

Businesses that provide tourist accommodation must comply with the following legislation. This is not an exhaustive list, and legal advice should always be taken before making any business decisions.

Local authority regulation

• The Public Health Act 1936 requires campsites in England and Wales to be licensed by their local authority. The Act enables local authorities to apply specific conditions to site licences that they grant to campsite owners.
• The Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 and equivalent legislation in Northern Ireland require caravan sites to be licensed by their local authority and state the circumstances under which they need planning permission. The legislation enables local authorities to apply specific conditions to licences that they grant to site owners.

See also: Do I need planning permission for glamping, camping or caravanning sites?

• The Highways Act 1980 requires business owners to obtain permission (usually through a licence) before displaying business signage on land owned by the highway authority.