A Directive Issued for Implementing a Dressing Code for Professionals of Institutions Rendering Hotel and Related Services in the Addis Ababa City Government
Summary
This directive, number 181/2025 G.C., issued by the Addis Ababa City Government Culture, Arts and Tourism Bureau, implements a dressing code for professionals in institutions rendering hotel and related services within Addis Ababa. It aims to protect professionals from potential distress, sexual harassment, and attacks while preserving national culture and values. The directive outlines responsibilities for support, monitoring, and supervision at various administrative levels (bureau, sub-city, and woreda offices), specifies categories of institutions subject to these activities, details administrative penalty procedures, establishes a complaint handling committee, and provides for recognition of institutions that adhere to the code.
Who's affected
Professionals working in institutions that provide hotel and related services in Addis Ababa, including hotels, apartments, motels, lodges, restaurants, cafes, bars, and other hospitality-related establishments.
Action required
Ensure that all professionals in your hotel or related service institution adhere to the specified dressing code, including guidelines on clothing, jewelry, and beautification items.
Key points
5- Establishes a mandatory dressing code for professionals in Addis Ababa's hotel and related service sector.
- Aims to enhance professionalism and protect employees.
- Outlines specific requirements for attire, jewelry, and makeup.
- Details monitoring, supervision, and enforcement mechanisms.
- Includes provisions for penalties for non-compliance and recognition for adherence.
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Requirements
7- Professionals must adhere to specific dressing codes for various roles (e.g., receptionists, waiters, housekeepers, spa professionals, maintenance staff, IT staff, food preparation staff, traditional drink professionals, tourist taxi drivers).
- Guidelines are provided for acceptable attire, including clothing length, fit, and style.
- Restrictions on jewelry and beautification items are specified for both male and female professionals.
- Institutions are required to participate in monitoring and supervision activities.
- Institutions must rectify any identified faults within a specified timeframe after receiving a warning.
- The directive requires the formation of a complaint handling committee with specific gender representation.
- Institutions seeking recognition must meet criteria including adherence to the dressing code and a lack of disciplinary faults.
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Rights and permissions
6- Professionals have the right to be protected from distress, harassment, and attacks.
- Supervision experts have the right to request and obtain necessary information.
- Institutions have the right to request identity cards from supervision experts.
- Institutions have the right to ask for and obtain necessary information regarding supervision.
- Institutions that meet the specified criteria are eligible for recognition and awards.
- Institutions have the right to appeal or make complaints through the established committee.
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Restrictions
6- Restrictions apply to the length and style of clothing.
- Restrictions are placed on the type and quantity of jewelry and beautification items that can be used.
- Specific restrictions on clothing for certain professional roles are detailed.
- Uniforms should not significantly reveal body parts and shape.
- Prohibited items include clothing with writing or logos (for certain roles), overly flashy jewelry, and certain types of footwear.
- Any directive or customary practice that contradicts this directive is inapplicable on matters covered herein.
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Penalties
3- Administrative measures can be taken for violations, including fines, suspension of competency certification, and cancellation of business licenses.
- The bureau or office can impose administrative measures based on supervision findings.
- A warning checklist is provided for situations before taking punitive measures.
Objectives
5- To protect professionals in hotel and related service institutions from physical and psychological distress, sexual harassment, and attacks.
- To ensure that the dressing code preserves the culture and values of the nation.
- To establish clear guidelines for monitoring, supervision, and enforcement of the dressing code.
- To provide a framework for imposing administrative penalties for non-compliance.
- To recognize and award institutions that adhere to the highest standards of service and compliance.
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Organizations
4- Addis Ababa City Government Culture, Arts and Tourism Bureau
- Addis Ababa City Government Bureau of Justice
- Sub-city offices
- Wereda offices
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Legal references
2- Proclamation number 84/2024 article (16) sub-article (2) section (e)
- Dressing code for professionals of the Addis Ababa City Government Institutions Rendering Hotel and Related Services Number 178/2014 article (16) sub-article (2)