Home 30 October cafe notice
30 October cafe notice: what changes and what to put in writing
From 30 October 2026, employers can be liable for harassment of their staff by customers and other third parties, related to things like sex, race, disability, religion or age, unless they took all reasonable steps to prevent it. Employers must also take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment. For a cafe, that includes customers.
What the 30 October change means for a cafe
The duty is about steps. A notice for customers is one of the steps you can show you have taken, alongside a staff briefing and a record of what happens.
If a tribunal upholds a sexual harassment claim and finds the duty was breached, it can increase compensation by up to 25%. The Equality and Human Rights Commission can take enforcement action against employers who do not take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment.
An example
A customer at the counter keeps asking a 17-year-old barista for her number and comments on her looks. The barista moves to the machine and a colleague takes over the counter. The manager tells the customer it stops. Because the worker is under 18, the manager also lets a parent or guardian know if she wants that.
Free guidance or a ready pack
The Acas and EHRC guidance is free and worth reading. It explains what employers should do. It does not give you a cafe notice, a staff briefing for counter and floor staff or a record sheet already written. The Bay Admin cafe pack does, for £24, built from the EHRC technical guidance and Acas advice, with every source linked. Check the EHRC website for its latest guidance.
Print-ready. Fill in your details and use it the same day. Law as at 13 October 2026. For employers in England and Wales only.
30-day refund: reply to your receipt within 30 days of purchase for a full refund, no questions asked. This is on top of your legal rights.
Download the free sample and see exactly what you get before you buy.
Buy the café pack for £24, one payment, instant download.
Questions
What changes for a cafe on 30 October 2026?
From 30 October 2026, employers can be liable for harassment of their staff by customers and other third parties, related to things like sex, race, disability, religion or age, unless they took all reasonable steps to prevent it. Employers must also take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment.
Does it cover harassment by customers?
Yes. From 30 October 2026, employers can be liable for harassment of their staff by customers and other third parties unless they took all reasonable steps to prevent it.
What can happen if a sexual harassment claim is upheld?
If a tribunal upholds a sexual harassment claim and finds the duty was breached, it can increase compensation by up to 25%.
Who can take enforcement action?
The Equality and Human Rights Commission can take enforcement action against employers who do not take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment.
Can I see it before I buy?
Yes. The free sample lets you see exactly what you get before you buy.
Questions about the pack: email [email protected].