Are toilet facilities required for patrons in restaurants with fewer than 16 seats?

In the context of restaurant regulations, establishments with fewer than 16 seats often do not require toilet facilities for patrons. This is guided by certain health and safety codes that recognize smaller venues may not be feasible or practical for installing separate restroom facilities. The rationale behind this regulation is to alleviate potential burdens on small businesses, ensuring that they can operate without the significant investment and maintenance costs associated with restrooms.

It's important to note that while larger restaurants typically must provide restrooms for customer convenience and hygiene, smaller establishments are often exempt, focusing instead on core food service capabilities. Such exemptions can also take into account the nature of the service, the duration of patron visits, and whether food is consumed on-site.