Required Signs for Restaurants: Essential Compliance Guide for UK Establishments

Every restaurant must display certain signs to follow the law, keep people safe, and make important information easy to find. Signs for restaurants like fire exits, health and safety notices, and “No Smoking” warnings are not just helpful—they are legally required in restaurants.

These signs for restaurants help protect staff, customers, and the business itself. Having the right signage also helps people find their way around and understand what is expected inside the restaurant.

From menus and price lists to allergy warnings and accessibility information, proper signs support good customer service and prevent confusion or accidents.

Be sure to also check out our related guides: How Much Do Restaurant Signs Cost and LED Signs for Restaurant for insights into cost and technology trends.

Key Takeaways

• Every restaurant needs required legal and safety signs.

• Accessibility and information signs help all customers and staff.

• Clear signage supports safe and smooth restaurant operations.

Legal Requirements for Restaurant Signs

Restaurants in the UK are required by law to display certain signs for restaurants to ensure customer safety, provide legal information, and promote safe working environments. These signs must be visible, clear, and placed in strategic areas within the premises.

Mandatory Health and Safety Signage

Health and safety signage is a legal need in every restaurant. Signs for restaurants often include those for hand washing, food handling procedures, and temperature controls.

For instance, wash hand signs should be found near sinks in both kitchens and toilets. Employers must also display the Health and Safety Law Poster where staff can see it.Other required signs may cover first aid locations, accident reporting, and restricted areas. Some common signs use universally recognised symbols for quick understanding.

Breaching these rules can result in fines or temporary closures. Key examples:

• Wash Hands in kitchens and toilets

• No Smoking inside

• Food Storage Temperatures in storage areas

• First Aid box location

Fire Exit and Emergency Sign Requirements

Every restaurant must have fire exit signs that are easy to see in case of an emergency. These signs for restaurants show the shortest route to an exit and must be clearly illuminated. Signs must use green and white colours and comply with British Standards. Emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers, must be marked with clear signs.

Doors and pathways leading to exits should never be blocked. In larger restaurants, directional signs can point out the quickest way outdoors from various locations in the building. Fire action notices are also required. These signs list what to do during an emergency, including assembly point information.

Emergency lighting must ensure that these signs are readable, even in the event of power failure.

Allergen and Food Safety Signs:

UK law requires all food businesses to inform customers of allergens in their dishes. Signs should be placed at customer-facing locations, such as:

• Entrance displays or menus

• Point-of-sale counters

• Behind the bar or kitchen pass

Typical allergens like nuts, dairy, gluten, and shellfish should be clearly highlighted. Back-of-house signage—such as cleaning schedules, shelf-life reminders, and cross-contamination warnings—also plays a vital role in food safety.

Our team creates tailored signs for restaurant kitchens and service areas that meet current food safety standards.

Accessibility and Compliance Signage:

Accessibility signage helps every customer feel welcome—and ensures your business complies with the Equality Act in 2010.

Disability Access Signs:

Restaurants must use disability signage to indicate:

• Wheelchair-friendly entrances

• Ramps or step-free routes

• Accessible toilet facilities

Large text, high-contrast colours, and the familiar wheelchair symbol are standard. In some cases, tactile or Braille signage may be required. We supply hard-wearing vinyl, metal, or acrylic options that stay clean and clear in high-traffic areas.

Toilet and Gender-Neutral Signage:

Restroom signage must indicate male, female, unisex, and accessible toilets clearly. Increasingly, gender-neutral toilet signs are being used to ensure inclusivity.

Key requirements include:

• Easy-to-read fonts and icons

• Braille or tactile elements in some cases

• Proper placement near entrances and doors

We offer a full range of toilet and facility signs designed for modern, inclusive hospitality spaces.

Operational and Informational Signs for Restaurants:

Beyond compliance, good signage helps your operations run smoothly and enhances the customer experience.

Opening Hours and Licensing Information:

You are legally required to display:

• Opening hours at or near your main entrance

• Alcohol licensing information, including the licence type and holder

Clear, up-to-date information reassures customers and supports regulatory compliance. If your hours or licensing details change, updating signage promptly is essential. We offer weatherproof and illuminated options for 24/7 visibility.

Payment and Ordering Method Signs:

Whether you’re card-only or offer multiple ordering systems, signs should guide customers clearly.

Typical examples:

• “Card Only” or “Minimum Spend” signs

• Icons for accepted payment types (Visa, Mastercard, contactless, etc.)

• Instructions for counter service, table service, or app-based ordering

Well-placed operational signage avoids confusion, reduces queue times, and keeps your service flowing efficiently.

Smoking and No-Smoking Signs:

No-smoking signs are a legal requirement for every restaurant, with at least one at the entrance. Clear signage should:

• Use the standard red and white crossed-out cigarette icon

• Mark designated smoking areas outdoors

• Be visible and understood by non-English speakers if possible

We provide compliant and weather-resistant signage that meets all public health regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What signs are mandatory in a commercial kitchen?

You’ll need signs for handwashing, food storage, allergen safety, fire exits, and hazard warnings. Anti-slip, hot surface, and cleaning reminders are also essential.

Where can I get free food hygiene signs?

Many UK councils and agencies offer downloadable templates. However, for durability and branding, The Sign Company UK can customise affordable professional signage to match your style and meet regulations.

What certificates must a restaurant display?

You'll need to show your Food Hygiene Rating, alcohol licence (if applicable), and any relevant health and fire safety certificates.

Which signs are crucial for catering food safety?

Handwashing, food temperature, allergen awareness, no-smoking, and cross-contamination prevention signs are all vital.

Are downloadable kitchen safety signs available?

Yes. Local councils offer templates online. But for consistent, branded signage, we recommend professional prints—especially in demanding kitchen environments.

What do different safety sign colours mean?

• Blue = Mandatory actions (“Wear gloves”)

• Red = Prohibition (“No Entry”)

• Yellow = Warnings (“Hot Surface”)

• Green = Emergency info (“Fire Exit”)

  
  

Need Help with Signs for Your Restaurant?

Whether you're opening your first site or refreshing an existing one, The Sign Company UK provides a full-service solution for signs for restaurant environments—design, manufacturing, and installation.

From health and safety compliance to fully branded menus and point-of-sale signs, we deliver high-quality, UK-wide signage tailored to your business.

📞 Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s get your signage sorted—professionally, legally, and on brand.