Categories of Tourist Establishment (Statutory Criteria) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations amend the Categories of Tourist Establishment (Statutory Criteria) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1992 (“the principal Regulations”) which prescribe the criteria which must be met by an establishment in order for it to be eligible for allocation to one of the 5 categories of tourist establishments established by Article 12(1) of the Tourism (Northern Ireland) Order 1992 (“the Order”).

Regulation 2 makes miscellaneous amendments to Schedule 1 (criteria for hotels) to the principal Regulations. The main changes concern the reduction in dining area size in relation to the number of visitors who may reasonably be expected to use it. There is also the insertion of a new provision that all new establishments certified as hotels under the Order must have not less than 15 double bedrooms all of which must have an ensuite bathroom.

Regulation 3 inserts a savings provision in relation to hotels certified under the Order before 11^th November 2009.

Regulation 4 amends Schedule 2 (criteria for guest houses) to the principal Regulations. A new provision is inserted that requires all new establishments certified as guest houses under the Order must have not less than 3 double bedrooms all which must be ensuite.

Regulation 5 inserts a savings provision in relation to guest houses certified under the Order before 11^th November 2009.

Regulation 6 makes amendments to Schedule 3 (criteria for bed and breakfast establishments) to the principal Regulations. A new provision is also inserted that requires all new establishments certified as bed and breakfast establishments under the Order which contain bedrooms for visitors which do not have en suite bathrooms must provide one bathroom for every 6 visitors as well as providing one WC with wash hand basin for every 6 visitors.

Regulation 7 inserts a savings provision in relation to bed and breakfast establishments certified under the Order before 11^th November 2009.

Regulation 8 amends Schedule 4 (criteria for self-catering establishments) to the principal Regulations. The main change involves the insertion of a new provision requiring all new establishments certified as self-catering establishments under the Order must provide access to laundry facilities.

Regulation 9 inserts a savings provision in relation to self-catering establishments certified under the Order before 11^th November 2009.

Regulation 10 makes amendments to Schedule 5 (criteria for hostels) to the principal Regulations. A new provision is also inserted that requires all new establishments certified as hostels under the Order to provide one shower or bath for every 10 visitors and to provide one WC for every 10 visitors.

Regulation 11 inserts a savings provision in relation to hostels certified under the Order before 11^th November 2009.