How to display the Hotel Proprietors Act liability notice

To protect your business from significant claims, you must print and prominently display a specific legal notice as defined by the Hotel Proprietors Act 1956. Displaying this notice near your main entrance or reception legally limits your financial liability to a set amount if a guest's property is lost or damaged, provided it wasn't due to your negligence.

How to display the notice

1. Find the Correct Wording: You must use the precise, official wording as set out in the schedule of the Act. You can find this on the UK government's legislation website (legislation.gov.uk) by searching for the "Hotel Proprietors Act 1956".
2. Print it Clearly: The notice must be printed in plain, easy-to-read characters. Ensure the font is large enough to be legible to guests as they check in or enter the building.
3. Display it Prominently: Place the printed notice in a conspicuous part of your reception area or main entrance hall where it can be easily seen by guests. For best practice, many hotels also place a copy inside each guest bedroom.

Key things to remember

• Liability Limits: With the notice correctly displayed, your liability is generally limited to £50 for any single item and a total of £100 per guest.
• When it Doesn't Apply: This protection does not apply if the loss or damage was caused by your own neglect or if the guest had formally deposited the property with you for safe custody.
• Timing is Crucial: For the liability limit to be legally effective, the notice must be on display at the time the guest arrives and brings their property into the hotel.