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Hospitality Law

Is HACCP certification mandatory for hotels in Georgia?

Yes, implementing HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) principles is mandatory for all catering establishments, including hotel kitchens and restaurants, to ensure food safety.

Can I refuse service to a guest legally?

Refusing service must be based on objective reasons (e.g., violation of internal rules, safety threat) and not discriminatory grounds. Having clearly written internal regulations is essential.

What are the fire safety requirements for guesthouses?

Requirements vary by size and capacity. Generally, you need fire extinguishers, evacuation plans, and smoke detectors. Larger hotels require more complex systems and approval from the Emergency Management Service.

Do I need a license to open a hotel?

There is no specific "hotel license," but you must register the business, comply with fire and food safety regulations, and register as an economic activity in the Public Registry.

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Hospitality Law: Regulations and Standards in the Hospitality Sector

Hospitality Law is a complex field covering the legal regulation of hotels, hostels, restaurants, and other hospitality establishments in Georgia. With the growth of tourism, state requirements regarding food safety, fire safety, labor relations, and consumer protection have tightened. Successful management of a hotel or restaurant is impossible without hedging legal risks. This applies to both large international brands and small family guesthouses. Legal assistance ensures that your business is fully compliant with Georgian legislation, avoiding heavy fines and reputational damage.

What Does This Service Cover?

Legal services for the hospitality industry cover all aspects of the business. Specialists on Legal.ge offer:

  • Permit and Regulatory Compliance: Registration in the economic registry, implementation of food safety (HACCP) standards, and adherence to occupational safety norms.
  • Fire Safety Audit: Consulting on compliance with Emergency Management Service requirements and organizing fire safety documentation.
  • Contract Management: Drafting contracts with suppliers, travel agencies, and corporate clients; analyzing hotel management agreements.
  • Labor Relations: Drafting employment contracts with staff, developing internal regulations, and managing seasonal hiring/firing procedures.
  • Consumer Rights: Legal management of guest complaints, personal data protection (GDPR/local law), and developing booking cancellation policies.
  • Real Estate and Lease: Drafting lease agreements for hotel buildings or restaurant spaces and resolving disputes related to real estate.

Common Situations When You Need a Lawyer

Businesses in the hospitality sector constantly face legal challenges. Lawyer involvement is essential in the following cases:

  • National Food Agency Inspection: A restaurant or hotel kitchen is being inspected and faces fines for sanitation violations.
  • Franchise Agreement: You want to open a well-known brand hotel and need to adapt a complex international franchise agreement to Georgian law.
  • Incident on Premises: A guest is injured on the hotel territory (e.g., at the pool) and demands compensation for damages.
  • Disputes with Neighbors or Municipality: Neighbors complain about excessive noise, or the municipality fines you for unauthorized terrace construction.
  • Booking Problems: Disputes arising with Booking.com or Airbnb, or issues collecting cancellation fees for group bookings.

Georgian Legal Framework

The sector is regulated by the Law of Georgia on Tourism, which sets general principles, and the Civil Code of Georgia, which governs service contracts. Critically important are the Code on Food/Feed Safety, Veterinary and Plant Protection and government decrees on HACCP standards. Labor issues are regulated by the Organic Law of Georgia — Labor Code. Fire safety is governed by technical regulations on "Fire Safety Rules and Conditions." Additionally, the Law of Georgia on Protection of Consumer Rights must be observed.

Process: How Collaboration with a Specialist Works

Working with a hospitality law specialist involves the following stages:

  1. Audit and Risk Assessment: Checking existing documentation and procedures for compliance with regulatory requirements.
  2. Creating Documentation Package: Preparing internal regulations, standard contracts, safety instructions, and privacy policies.
  3. Staff Training: Instructing management and staff on legal obligations and rules for interacting with consumers.
  4. Licensing Support: Assisting in obtaining alcohol sales permits or other specific permissions if necessary.
  5. Crisis Management: Providing operational legal assistance during incidents or inspections.

Why Choose Legal.ge?

Legal.ge gives you access to lawyers with narrow specialization in the hospitality sector (HoReCa). Through our platform, you will find professionals who know not only the law but also the inner workings of the hotel business. Protect your investment and ensure guest safety with qualified legal support found on Legal.ge.

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