In essence, a B&B offers comfortable overnight sleeping accommodation for visitors in separate bedrooms and must provide a cooked breakfast. Most B&Bs are run by people who have had no formal training, but have a genuine flair for household management, good hygiene, simple cooking and good people skills–offering a true Northern Ireland hospitality.
From the hearty home-made breakfast to the warmth of the welcome, it is the extra touches that really count. Planning approval may be required if you decide to use more than 50% of your bedroom space. Refer to planningni.gov.uk for more information.
As breakfast may be served at B&Bs, you will need to make sure that you’re adhering to food safety legislation. All food establishments in Northern Ireland must be registered with their local council environmental health service. Refer to www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk for additional information.
Basic guide to starting a Bed & Breakfast
Operating a Bed and Breakfast (B&B) can be a very positive experience. Aside from the financial benefits which can be derived from running a B&B, many owners also enjoy the social aspect of the business, including the opportunity to welcome guests from all over the world.
Many visitors make a deliberate choice of comfortable establishments which have a home-from-home atmosphere in which to relax and chat to the host family. A friendly host, together with good quality facilities and value for money accommodation, are key elements for success in all sectors of tourism.
What is a Bed & Breakfast?
What is certification and why is it required?
Tourism legislation requires all tourism/visitor accommodation to hold a current Tourism Northern Ireland (NI) certificate.
This involves a visit to the property from a member of Tourism NI’s certification team, who will inspect the property to ensure it meets certification requirements. Under current legislation, a statutory (legal) inspection of the premises is undertaken every four years.
A certificate issued by Tourism NI, following this inspection, is also valid for four years.
How do I apply?
Applications can be submitted online at https://forms.tourismni.com/Forms/, accompanied by a fee. £20 is payable for every room you intend to let, subject to a minimum fee of £80 and maximum of £200. Payment and application can also be made by post by downloading and completing the application form here.
You can also request an application pack by contacting the Quality & Standards team by email to qa@tourismni.com or telephone 028 90 441545. When a completed application form and fee are received, a member of Tourism NI’s inspection team will contact you to arrange a suitable time and date for the visit.
Minimum and recommended criteria
The requirements and recommendations set out here are intended for guidance; they are not comprehensive.
During an inspection you will be advised on matters not specifically detailed here, however, inspections do not cover all aspects of tourist accommodation; it is the responsibility of certified premise operators/owners to make every reasonable effort to ensure that visitors enjoy a safe and secure stay.
As part of your duty of care to visitors you should remain vigilant of potential risk to visitors and of how you describe your premises in marketing and promotion.