Greggs bakery chain toilet ruling

Posted 25/05/2016

Predominantly takeout sales from your food retail outlet? You may still need to provide toilet facilities after a High Court decision which went against Greggs.

The decision is surprising because Greggs was relying on advice from its Primary Authority which indicated toilet facilities at the two outlets in question in Hull were unnecessary because the majority of sales there were takeout. The High Court said this was incorrect and consequently the advice that should have protected Greggs was unreliable. Hull City Council’s case was that this gave Greggs an unfair trading advantage over other cafes in the vicinity. Moreover, the High Court did not accept the argument that where sales are predominantly takeaway there should be no need for toilets.

What does this mean for you? The case is being appealed but you should check your obligations to provide facilities to your customers, following this ruling.