1. The Theory of Hospitality and Catering Dynamic Learning published by Hodder Education © 2011 D Foskett and P Paskins Computer legislation

2. The Theory of Hospitality and Catering Dynamic Learning published by Hodder Education © 2011 D Foskett and P Paskins Introduction Hospitality organisations need to follow and adhere to various legislation with regard to the correct use of computer systems in the workplace.

3. The Theory of Hospitality and Catering Dynamic Learning published by Hodder Education © 2011 D Foskett and P Paskins The Data Protection Act 1998 The Act defines the basic principles that must be followed if anyone wishes to store data about living identifiable individuals on a computer system. It gives the person whose data is stored right of access to the data and lays down principles for secure storage of the data. The Act makes it an offence to hold personal data, as defined in the Act, unless the holder is registered with the Data Protection Registrar.

4. The Theory of Hospitality and Catering Dynamic Learning published by Hodder Education © 2011 D Foskett and P Paskins The Screen Display (VDU) Regulations 1992 This act lays down very strict guidelines about the way computers are operated and the environment in which they are located. Workspace should be ergonomically correct. Safe use of computers must be considered.

5. The Theory of Hospitality and Catering Dynamic Learning published by Hodder Education © 2011 D Foskett and P Paskins The Copyright Design and Patent Act 1988 This act protects the copyright of the software owner. The law makes it an offence to buy a piece of software for use on a single computer and then load it on further computers without additional payment.

6. The Theory of Hospitality and Catering Dynamic Learning published by Hodder Education © 2011 D Foskett and P Paskins The Computer Misuse Act 1990 This act makes it a criminal offence to access a computer without permission or to corrupt data stored in a computer.