How to Start & Run a B&B BandBED2eBook-1 | Page 35

not be subject to rating, this exemption will not extend to those where the main use of
the property is clearly non-domestic”.
For more detail, see www.voa.gov.uk.
The Smoking ‘Ban’ (2007)
Since the first edition of this book, in 2007, the smoking regulations came in, making
smoking in all “public places” illegal. Since by now this is so well known, we need not
say much about it, beyond saying that as far as B&Bs are concerned, this means no
smoking in any shared areas whilst guests are staying – eg corridors, lounge, dining
room etc. However, guests’ own bedrooms are not considered “public places” for this
purpose, so you can (if you wish) allow guests to smoke in their own bedrooms. This
means that you are free to designate any room(s) as ‘smoking’ rooms if you want – it is
up to you. Clearly if you do not designate any of your rooms as ‘smoking’ rooms,
guests are not allowed to smoke at all at your B&B (except outside, in the garden).
The Data Protection Act
This is outside the remit of this book, other than to note that if you compile a computer-
based list of customer and/or enquirer details, the Data Protection Act (DPA) lays
down rules covering how you are allowed to use the data. Most B&Bs who simply
contact past customers who have given them their details, to let them know about
special offers or prices, should not need to worry about this. However if you plan to
mail or email lists of potential customers, do be aware of the DPA’s requirements.
For further information, see the Information Commissioner’s Office website at:
www.ico.gov.uk
Copyright Licensing
This is a highly confusing subject, and B&Bs have to face a plethora of different
regulators. It seems wholly ridiculous and disproportionate that a very small B&B
should be expected to pay three different licences to three different authorities in order
to let their guests watch TV, listen to radio and CDs or discs, for instance – and four
licences if the B&B also lends DVDs or video tapes to its guests. David has suggested
to policymakers within the Coalition Government of 2010 that the “bonfire of the
Quangos” the Government has proposed should include PRS and PPL, which could be
abolished and a new simpler, streamlined copyright licensing regime could be brought
in including the BBC TV licence and the performers’ and composers’ interests
represented currently by PRS and PPL.
1) TV Licence
The first and best-known of the copyright licensing schemes is of course the so-called
“TV Licence”, effectively a tax administered by the BBC, which funds the BBC’s output