The Complete Restaurant Compliance Checklist for 2026

Why compliance matters

Running a restaurant in the UK means complying with dozens of regulations enforced by at least six different authorities: Environmental Health, the Health and Safety Executive, the Fire Service, the Licensing Authority, the Home Office, and the Information Commissioner's Office.

Missing even one critical document can result in improvement notices, fines, or in the worst cases, closure. This guide lists every document you need and explains which authority requires it.

Food Safety Documents (12)

These are checked by Environmental Health during routine inspections. Your food hygiene rating depends heavily on having these in place.

• HACCP Plan — Required by EC Regulation 852/2004. The foundation of your food safety system.
• Food Safety Management System — Your overarching framework including HACCP, SOPs, and monitoring.
• Allergen Management Plan — Required by Food Information Regulations 2014. Covers all 14 declarable allergens.
• Temperature Monitoring Log — Daily records of fridge, freezer, cooking, and hot-holding temperatures.
• Cleaning Schedule & Records — Documented schedule with signed completion records.
• Supplier Due Diligence Records — Proof you checked your suppliers are safe and reputable.
• Menu Allergen Matrix — Grid showing allergens present in every menu item.
• Food Waste Management Plan — Segregation, storage, and disposal procedures.
• Pest Control Procedures — Prevention, monitoring, and professional contractor records.
• Food Hygiene Training Records — Proof all food handlers are trained (Level 2 minimum).
• Food Recall & Withdrawal Procedure — What to do if food is found to be unsafe.
• Opening & Closing Food Safety Checklist — Daily checks to maintain standards.

Health & Safety Documents (8)

Checked by HSE or your local authority health and safety team.

• Health & Safety Policy — Written policy required for employers with 5+ staff.
• General Risk Assessment — Assessment of all significant workplace hazards.
• COSHH Assessment — Chemical safety assessments for cleaning products.
• First Aid Policy & Procedures — First aid provision, equipment, and trained personnel.
• Accident Book & RIDDOR Procedures — Incident recording and HSE reporting.
• Manual Handling Assessment — Assessment of lifting, carrying, and moving tasks.
• Display Screen Equipment Assessment — For staff using POS terminals or computers.

Employment & HR Documents (10)

Required by employment law and checked at employment tribunal if disputes arise.

• Employment Contract — Written statement of terms, a day-one right since April 2020.
• Staff Handbook — All workplace policies in one document.
• Disciplinary Procedure — Must follow the ACAS Code of Practice.
• Grievance Procedure — Employee complaints process per ACAS Code.
• Equal Opportunities Policy — Demonstrates Equality Act 2010 compliance.
• Staff Training Records — Multi-regulation training documentation.
• Recruitment Procedure — Fair hiring with right-to-work checks.
• Right to Work Check Records — Home Office compliance, up to £45,000 per worker penalty.
• Whistleblowing Policy — Protected disclosure procedures.
• Tips & Tronc Policy — Required by the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023.

Licensing Documents (5)

Checked by your local authority licensing team and the police.

• Premises Licence Conditions Summary — Your licence conditions and compliance measures.
• Age Verification Policy (Challenge 25) — ID checking for alcohol sales.
• Personal Licence Holder Records — DPS and personal licence holder details.
• Temporary Event Notice Procedure — For events outside normal licence hours.
• CCTV Policy — Operation, retention, and access procedures.

Fire Safety Documents (4)

Inspected by the Fire and Rescue Service.

• Fire Risk Assessment — Required assessment of fire hazards and controls.
• Fire Evacuation Plan — Staff roles, escape routes, and assembly points.
• Fire Safety Log Book — Weekly alarm tests, equipment checks, and drill records.
• Fire Safety Training Records — Proof all staff received fire safety training.

Insurance Documents (4)

• Insurance Schedule & Requirements — All policies tracked with renewal dates.
• Incident Reporting Procedure — Documenting incidents for insurance claims.
• Employers' Liability Certificate Display — Legal requirement to display.
• Public Liability Procedures — Managing customer injury risks.

Data & Privacy Documents (5)

Checked by the ICO or required by GDPR.

• Data Protection Policy — Internal GDPR compliance framework.
• Customer Privacy Notice — What you tell customers about their data.
• Data Breach Response Procedure — 72-hour ICO notification process.
• Wi-Fi Data Collection Notice — For guest Wi-Fi data collection.
• Employee Data Privacy Notice — What you tell employees about their data.

Operations Documents (4)

Best practice documents that support regulatory compliance and operational consistency.

• Opening & Closing Operational Checklist — Full operational readiness checks.
• Supplier Agreement Template — Written terms with food suppliers.
• Premises Maintenance Schedule — Equipment and building maintenance tracking.
• Customer Complaints Procedure — Consistent complaint handling.

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